If you thought playing in a metal band was therapeutic before having a terrible week, just wait until after.

Despite rumors and cancellations, Escuela Grind punctuated their East Coast campaign with a lethal performance at Geno’s Rock Club on Saturday. With the flames of drama hot on their heels, Escuela tore into town, threading the needle from Vermont to Maine. While many Portlanders spent a sold-out night with SilverSun Pickups at the neighboring State Theater – a solid crowd of regulars braved the sweaty chaos of grindcore in their stead. Sonically devastating, physically violent – it’s no wonder Escuela Grind holds the undivided attention of The New York Times, Revolver, and Kerrang! Since releasing their breakout opus, Memory Theater (2022), the grind hasn’t stopped; with a touring resume graced by Napalm Death, Eyehategod, and more – this band has lived lifetimes in just a few short years.  

No matter, the March 9th concert was a far cry from early blueprints. Musings of a ‘toxic band environment’ and accusations of harassment surfaced online earlier in the week, launching volleys of digital crossfire. These whispers broke with the sudden firing of longtime guitarist, Tom Sifuentes – fueling speculation. What appeared to be a routine gaze into the rigors of touring life ultimately dragged Escuela’s name through the mud. The original lineup – featuring Escuela Grind, Louisiana’s Capra, and Southern Maine hardcore acts MANKALA and Gumskab – was cut in half when the latter backed out, citing ‘personal’ reasons. Lacking local support, Geno’s felt emptier than expected – even tired… 

Capra kicked things off, bullying the audience with their unique blend of whirlwind punk and bluesy steel. Opening a hardcore show is no easy feat – but credit to Capra, they earned a fantastic reception from the Geno’s crowd – a smash hit in Forest City. 

Escuela took the stage at 8pm, detonating a ferocious display of energy and angst. Vocalist Katerina Economou delivered death growls and stage antics; drummer Jesse Fuentes offered blast-beats and cymbal wizardry; and tying it all together – urgent dialogue between guitar and bass.

It’s been all hands on deck in the Escuela Grind camp since the January release of DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL – their crushing four-track EP; ‘Ball and Chain,’ the lead-off single, made waves when it dropped in November – the band’s first offering in over a year. Escuela kept these cards close until the end, hammering out three choice cuts from the record – before finishing with their signature anthem, ‘Cliffhanger.’ 

From the start, Capra connected with the crowd – a dynamic that Escuela struggled to find… Perhaps owing to the rhetoric, concertgoers seemed hesitant – looking from the empty floor to each other – wanting ‘permission’ to engage. But the headliner wasn’t phased! Economou strangled the mic – every scream a threat, every howl a challenge. Following floor burn and banter, bodies crowded the stage. A few tracks later, the moshers wanted in – and it was business as usual from there. 

Clocking in at an hour, Escuela Grind recovered for a fantastic set. Hardcore’s newest heroes weathered fame, infamy, and line-up changes – emerging stronger than ever. After a trying week, Escuela proved resilient – able to block out the noise and fight forward. Unusual for Geno’s, the shortened bill was refreshing; rather than push through cigarette breaks and midnight, the concert ended by 9pm – giving fans a chance to meet the bands and linger long after the feedback died down. Keep an eye on Escuela Grind as the outfit battles on, trying to define their name – before it defines them.