This is a style that I'm not typically a huge fan of, and I had never heard of either of these bands before, but every now and then something crosses your path and randomly hits the spot and gets you excited. For me, that something is the latest release from Polish label EveryDayHate.
Haemophagus (Italy) has racked up tons of splits (including, of course, a requisite pairing with Agathocles) and a couple of full-lengths since 2005, and seems to dish out sludgy death metal that's vocally reminiscent of Carcass. Opener "Hibernated World" offers an odd take on midpaced death metal that randomly interjects rocked out solos or stoner-ish riffs; while the second track, "Monsters in the Park," picks up the pace and centers around tremolo picking with one succinct and totally outta nowhere blues break. Go figure!? The production is thinner than you'd expect, but somehow that doesn't really hold things back. It's pretty crisp and clear; not at all as rugged as you'd tend to anticipate.
This is the first proper release from Subjugation (Turkey), following a demo last year, and I'm really into 'em. It's sort of like an over-the-top take on classic Swedish death metal. There's definitely some crispy Sunlight sound action to the guitar tone. Writing-wise they take a traditional approach with good, strong riffs and super guttural vocals. The brief running times keep things to the point and mix up the tempos to harness the energy of blasting grindcore, too. Again, not as raw as you'd expect, either. I'm used to this kind of stuff sounding like you're listening to it through wet cardboard, but I suppose I'm old and behind the times now, ha!
Whether or not you're a fan, these totally underground death metal splits will never die, and that's a great thing. This EP is a nice, 12-minute blast from the past—the simple black and white artwork, the fantastic old school-styled logos, etc.—from two obscure bands that are keeping the flame alive.
Get It
- EveryDayHate (7")
- Bandcamp (mp3)
