Seth Putnam was one of the most polarising figures in the extreme metal scene. As the founder and frontman of the grindcore band Anal Cunt, Putnam became known for his abrasive persona, controversial lyrics, and unapologetically offensive stage presence. Despite—or perhaps because of—his notoriety, he left an indelible mark on the music world. He was dubbed by The Guardian newspaper as the “GG Allin of grindcore” because of his brutally offensive attitude and chaotic lifestyle both on and off stage. 11th June (today) marks the 13th anniversary of this troubled and problematic performer’s death.
Early Life and Formation of Anal Cunt
Born on May 15, 1968, in Newton, Massachusetts, Seth Putnam grew up in a suburban environment that seemed at odds with the anarchic path he would later take. He discovered heavy metal in his teenage years, drawing early inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and AC/DC. This interest quickly evolved into a passion for the more extreme subgenres of metal, including grindcore and noise.
In 1988, Putnam formed Anal Cunt, often abbreviated as AxCx, with guitarist Mike Mahan and drummer Tim Morse. The band quickly set itself apart with a blistering sound that defied conventional musical structures. Anal Cunt’s early work consisted of chaotic noise bursts with nonsensical and improvised lyrics, setting the stage for a career built on shock value.
The Shock Factor
Anal Cunt’s music was notorious not just for its sound but for its controversial and often offensive content. The band’s song titles alone were enough to provoke outrage, with tracks like “I Like Drugs and Child Abuse” and “Hitler Was a Sensitive Man” intentionally designed to offend. Putnam’s lyrics touched on themes of misogyny, racism, and homophobia, drawing widespread condemnation and accusations of bigotry.
Putnam, however, maintained that his work was a form of satire, pushing boundaries to expose the absurdity of extreme views. In interviews, he often claimed that his lyrics were meant to mock and challenge societal norms, not to propagate hatred. Nevertheless, his work raised significant ethical questions about the role of shock and offence in art.
Struggles with Addiction and Personal Turmoil
Putnam’s personal life was as tumultuous as his music. He struggled with drug addiction for much of his career, a battle that frequently played out in public. His erratic behaviour and substance abuse issues were well-documented, contributing to his infamous reputation. In an interview, Putnam once claimed, “The average Anal Cunt fan that comes to our show is an unemployed, alcoholic asshole loser, which is kind of like the people that we get along with anyway. Troublemakers that like to start shit up.”
In 2004, Putnam slipped into a coma for nearly a month after a heroin overdose. The incident led to speculation that he would not survive, but he eventually recovered, albeit with significant health issues. This near-death experience became another dark chapter in the narrative of his life, reinforcing his image as a tragic, self-destructive artist.

Seth Putnam was an extreme performer who led an extreme life.
Legacy and Impact
Despite—or perhaps because of—his controversial nature, Seth Putnam’s impact on the extreme metal scene is undeniable. Anal Cunt’s raw and uncompromising sound influenced countless bands in the grindcore and noise genres. The band’s approach to music—eschewing melody and structure in favour of sheer aggression—pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the music industry.
Putnam’s willingness to provoke and offend also sparked important conversations about censorship, free speech, and the role of art in society. While many condemned his work as harmful and irresponsible, others defended it as a form of radical expression.
Death and Posthumous Reception
Seth Putnam died of a heart attack on June 11, 2011, at the age of 43. His death marked the end of an era for Anal Cunt and left a complicated legacy. In the years following his death, Putnam’s work has continued to be a topic of debate among fans and critics alike.
Some view him as a pioneering artist who fearlessly confronted taboo subjects, while others see him as a provocateur who peddled in hate and shock for its own sake. Regardless of one’s stance, Putnam’s influence on extreme music is undeniable, and his work continues to inspire and provoke.
Seth Putnam in Conclusion
Seth Putnam was a figure who thrived on the fringes of society, using his music to challenge, offend, and provoke. His band, Anal Cunt, became a symbol of extreme music’s potential to push boundaries and incite controversy. While his life was marred by addiction and personal turmoil, his contributions to the grindcore genre and the broader conversation about free expression in art remain significant.
Putnam’s legacy is a complex one, characterised by a blend of admiration and revulsion. He was an artist who embraced the chaos and destruction that many fear to confront, leaving behind a body of work that continues to challenge and disturb. In the end, Seth Putnam’s life and music serve as a reminder of the thin line between art and offence and the enduring power of provocation in shaping cultural discourse.
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