Enemy Soil was a Grindcore band from Virginia who formed in 1991 and were active throughout the rest of the decade. Members of the band were also in Pig Destroyer, Drugs Of Faith, City Of Caterpillar, Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Pageninetynine to name a few.
Enemy Soil played, fast, heavy gut-wrenchingly loud politically driven grindcore. Most of their lyrics were rooted in left wing sociopolitical ideals and a pessimistic outlook on US politics. According to guitarist Richard Johnson, their lyrics were also affected by their daily lives, relationships in addition to politics. There was definitely a passion and anger at the world driving their music which is evident in the intensity and genuine feel to their sound.
In their early days, Enemy Soil reportedly couldn't find a suitable drummer so opted to use a drum machine in their early recordings and shows. According to an interview with a member, they also played a few live shows with a backing tape before they decided to find a drummer. Also in the interview, Richard Johnson states that he and newly found drummer, R. Mason intentionally tried to experiment and create a sound that was distinctive from the mass of other grindcore/hardcore bands at the time.
Some mentioned inspirations for the band included early Napalm Death, Neurosis and Initial State, however, I can hear a bit of an Influence of bands like Reversal Of Man, with whom they had a split 7", in their sound as well. Overall Enemy Soil definitely stands out as having their own style and sound.
Check out the two websites below for more photos, fliers, music and some great interviews with the band.
Website 1
Website 2
Note: Enemy Soil also appeared on various compilations which I will link here if you want to take a look.
Parasitic Infestation / Enemy Soil Split cassette 1993 (Open Eye Records)
War Parade 7" 1996 (Slap A Ham Records)
Smashes The State - R.I. P. 1991-1998 discography 2xCD/cassette 2001 (Bones Brigade, Psychotherapy Records)
