Monthly Album - March
- Mikhail Levin
- Feb 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Unseen Terror's 'Human Error' is a pivotal album in the realm of extreme metal. First released in 1987, the album fused elements of punk, thrash and death metal into an all-new ferocious and intense sound, becoming his turning point in the burgeoning grindcore scene. The band's unique approach to songwriting, coupled with their raw energy and uncompromisingly brutal lyrics, helped establish them as an influential force in the underground metal scene. In this article, we take a closer look at the origins of "Human Error", the band's creative process, and the enduring legacy of this classic album.

Formed in Birmingham, England in 1986, Unseen Terror were a pioneering band in the grindcore genre known for their fast, aggressive sound. The band includes members who are veterans of the British punk and metal scene, including drummer Mick Harris (who later formed Napalm Death and Scone), vocalist Mitch Dickinson, and guitarist Jonathon "Jonny" Walker. The band's name reflects their worldview, and their lyrics explore issues such as war, social justice, and environmental protection. Despite the band’s relatively short lifespan, Unseen Terror's Extreme impact on the metal scene cannot be overstated, and its influence can still be heard in countless bands today.
One of the defining characteristics of "Human Error" is its heavily distorted, aggressive guitar tone, adding an even more intense layer to the already insane style of music. Jonny Walker's guitar work is the album's distinguishing feature, its lightning-fast riffs and intricate rhythms propelling the songs with almost mechanical precision. Lyrically, "Human Error" contains socially conscious themes, dealing with issues such as war, violence and environmental destruction. The lyrics are often sombre and raw, painting vivid images of a world in turmoil. Despite the sombre subject matter, the lyrics have a sense of urgency and conviction that speaks to the band's deep commitment to social justice and political activism.
Despite the critical acclaim and influence of "Human Error", Unseen Terror's time as a band was relatively short. After releasing several singles and the debut album, the band began experiencing internal tensions as members pursued different musical directions and struggled to acclaim various commitments. The band eventually disbanded in 1990 and the members played in various other bands in the extreme metal scene. Despite its relatively short lifespan, Unseen Terror's legacy lives on, and 'Human Error' remains a classic and highly influential album in the grindcore genre, highlighting the band's raw energy, technical prowess and social prowess. It is a testament to the uncompromising commitment to activism on social and political issues.
In summary, Unseen Terror's 'Human Error' is a landmark and highly influential album that remains a classic in the grindcore genre. With its insane energy, technical prowess, and socially conscious lyrics, "Human Error" set a new bar for extreme metal and helped establish Unseen Terror as a band to be found in the underground scene. Although the band's existence was relatively short, its influence on the metal scene remains, and "Human Error" remains a must for anyone interested in the history and development of extreme metal. So, if you haven't yet experienced the raw power of "Human Error" of Unseen Terror, check it out. you won't be disappointed.
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