Discharge is an English hardcore punk band formed in 1977 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Renowned for their intense, minimalistic sound, the band combines grinding, distorted guitars and raw, shouted vocals with politically charged, anarchist and pacifist lyrics. Their relentless, pounding rhythms inspired the creation of the D-beat subgenre, named after their signature drum style. Discharge's uncompromising approach and activist stance pushed British punk into more radical and confrontational territory, influencing the evolution of thrash metal, black metal, crust punk and grindcore. Their impact on heavy music is immense, with major acts like Metallica, Anthrax, Sepultura and others covering their songs in tribute. Discharge remains a foundational force in both punk and extreme metal, shaping the sound and attitude of two generations of musicians.