Palefade./Othiel - Split

Labels: Tomb Tree

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 20 Sep 2024

Tracklist:

1. Palefade. - Castle Sky

2. Palefade. - Glimmer In Your Eyes

3. Othiel - Stones You Throw

4. Othiel - Narration Sickness

There's a mere three days left of 2024 (including today) and I'm in between family soirees. I'm also looking ahead to next year and the sheer amount of pre-release promos I've already been sent. Before I start on that though, there's still the matter of a couple of 2024 releases, beginning with this split featuring US bands Palefade. and Othiel.

Both bands released albums in 2023 before embarking on this short split; released in September via Tomb Tree. The split was limited to just 40 tapes with 25 half white/half black, 10 random colour (in bags w/sparkle inserts) and 5 swirl tapes in gold cases. 

Both Palefade. and Othiel defy genre boundaries. Starting things off with ‘Castle Sky’, Palefade. mix emo-violence with more angular post-hardcore/screamo, as well as occasional flurries of both hardcore and introspective musicianship. It’s way more emotive and uplifting than I was expecting this early on. Palefade.'s second song ‘Glimmer In Your Eyes’ has a very real post-punk element to it, while also being utterly heavy. Moments of black metal, blasting intensity and abject melody give off nostalgic (almost Korn-era nu-metal) vibes. 

Othiel waste no time at all on their side of this split; hitting a high tempo straight away on ’Stones You Throw’. Much higher in tempo, their take on screamo is joined by mathcore-like panic chords and a joyous mix of both crazed and mathy, melodic hardcore. Their second and final song ’Narration Sickness’ takes much more from punk while also retaining much of their heavier sound. Othiel’s sound, whilst being heavy, is also genuinely epic. I’ve used the word “Grandiose” more than a few times here recently but this entire split justifies that descriptor. 

I had planned to write one more review this calendar year before switching my focus to 2025 releases, but I don’t think I’ll have time for that now. If this ends up being my last review of the year, it’s a pretty damn good one to end on. Palefade. and Othiel are both great additions to the skramz community.

You can stream and purchase the songs directly from both bands as name-your-price downloads below:-

One random colour tape copy is still available to buy from Tomb Tree's bandcamp page below:-

https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com/album/split-7

Othiel - https://www.facebook.com/othielband

Tomb Tree - https://www.facebook.com/tombtreetapes

Rayleigh - Last Word

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 11 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. Blood Letter

2. Last Mechanical Art

3. Sun Stealer

4. Diamondback

I'm trying to fit three more reviews in before the end of 2024 and I reckon I can hit that target. This review of the 2019 EP Last Word by Canadian Screamo band Rayleigh is the first of that trio, as well as being my final ZBR roster review of the year. Last Word was Rayleigh's final EP and it sandwiched a trio of tape releases that started with their self-titled EP in 2013 and was followed by their 2018 album 'If History'. 

This holiday period feels very strange given that xmas in the UK has fallen during a mid-week this year. I’m back doing the day job tomorrow followed by a weekend, then two more days at work followed by the New Year celebrations. No rest for the wicked I guess! No time to ponder though as I have a review to write and I need to keep up some sort of momentum. 

Rayleigh did a great job of keeping the tempo high on their final EP, if opener ‘Blood Letter’ is anything to go by. It’s made up for percussion/bass that fits well amongst the instrumentation of any powerviolence band, while the feedback-laden guitar work lends a heap of dissonance that helps form a backdrop to the piercing vocals. ’Last Mechanical Act’ follows immediately after with exactly the same approach, except this time Rayleigh peppers their heavy sound with mathy and melodic guitar riffs. It’s difficult at times to pin them down to an exact sub-genre, which is no doubt what Rayleigh would have wanted. 

Third and penultimate song ‘Sun Stealer’ is also the shortest on the EP, yet it’s also the most introspective musically (if that were possible here), as Rayleigh moves between chaotic post-hardcore and gentle instrumentation at the flick of a switch. Closing with ‘Diamondback’, there’s no immediate sign of it being the end of Rayleigh’s journey musically. It’s position as the EP’s heaviest song hints at a dynamic that was never fully realised.

As parting gifts go, Last Word hits with all the feels, as well as a whole heap of pent up anger. In a day and age where long dormant (considered dead) bands are re-awakening, there’s plenty of room for Rayleigh to comeback. If not, then at least their music is still preserved for the ages.

You can stream and purchase Last Word digitally from Rayleigh below:-

Rayleigh - https://www.facebook.com/rayleigh666

Tape copies from ZBR are sold out.

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Tomb Tree - GreenBlueGrey + Black Nails/Sharp Teeth 'Split' Double Song Premiere

On December 27th, Canadian label Tomb Tree will be releasing a brand new split tape featuring solo cybergrind/Nintendocore projects GreenBlueGrey (from Illinois, USA) and Black Nails/Sharp Teeth (from Connecticut, USA). Both projects have been releasing music at a hell of a rate since they started in 2023 and they released their first split gbg.bn/st together in October 2023. They also appeared on the awesome Wax Vessel comp The Compilation That Doesn't Suck last year.

I am honoured to be able to launch this double song premiere in advance of the full split release next week. Play the hell out of both songs below:-

The split will come in the form of 48 tapes: 14 purple, 15 purple swirl, 15 white swirl and 4 test dips w/matching swirl cases. These may well be amongst the last swirl tapes to come from Tomb Tree, as the supply of paints will be coming to an end soon. Check the promo pic below:-

Here's what Dusty from GreenBlueGrey had to say about the track 'my tears flow for miles, Davis' - 

"There's so much going on everywhere all the time. Not all of it is your fault. That doesn't mean be complacent, but also doesn't mean punish yourself for your complacency. Don't be afraid. Be angry, but don't be consumed. Do what you can. Remember to breathe. That's what the song is about I guess."

Drums on the Black Nails/Sharp Teeth song 'Do Spiders Wink Like This ;;;;) Or Like This :::;)' come courtesy of Cody Davis from Man Is The Most Dangerous Animal too (I believe).

Make sure you stream and grab the rest of their releases digitally via bandcamp below:-

GreenBlueGrey - https://greenbluegrey.bandcamp.com/

Black Nails/Sharp Teeth - https://bnstdanceparty.bandcamp.com

GreenBlueGrey - https://www.instagram.com/greenbl.uegrey/ / 

Black Nails/Sharp Teeth - https://www.instagram.com/bnstdanceparty/

Also, keep a close eye on Tomb Tree's various pages for more news on this release:-

Tomb Tree - https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com / https://www.facebook.com/tombtreetapes / https://www.instagram.com/_tomb_tree_/

Wampyric Rites - Summoning The Beasts In The Night Of Lycanthropic Moon

Labels: Inferna Profundus Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 01 Nov 2024

Tracklist:

1. Chapter - I

2. Chapter - II

3. Chapter - III

4. Chapter - IV

Ecuadorian/Chilean black metal trio Wampyric Rites released their latest EP in November of last year, via Lithuanian black metal label Inferna Profundus Records. Since their inception in 2019, Wampyric Rites have released countless demos, EPs, singles and split releases, as well as two full-lengths. They form part of the expansive Pure Raw Underground Black Metal Plague circle in South America, as well as the Old True Dungeon Synth Committee (according to Metal Archives). 

Tomorrow will be the shortest day of the year in the UK (in terms of sunlight), so it seems fitting that it should be ushered in with some lo-fi black metal. Wampyric Rites get that dubious honour this evening and even though this EP was released over a year ago, it’s still their latest body of work and therefore it deserves more coverage. ‘Chapter - I’ opens Summoning The Beasts In The Night Of Lycanthropic Moon with what I would call an ambient instrumental, though I know a lot of you would call it Dungeon Synth, maybe. With that being said, it’s a lovely intro piece.

‘Chapter - II’ emerges a few moments later with crisp opening riffs and raw percussion, before typically wailing vocals kick in. The pace is pretty frenetic, adding to an intensity that’s hard to ignore. This song stretches to nearly fifteen minutes in length, so there’s a lot to take in. It can’t possibly be appreciated in just one sitting, so repeat listens are a must. When it does click, the ungodly black metal of Wampyric Rites truly hits the spot. So much so in fact that my neighbour upstairs is banging on the floor (though that may be more to do with the volume of my typing than anything!).

I’m really enjoying the true, old-school rawness of this release so far and the fact that it’s peppered with melodic guitar helps as well. Black metal that’s truly listenable in all of it’s forms. ‘Chapter - III’ continues in the exact same vein with fast percussive tempos, almost-falsetto cries and unearthly growls, alongside galloping guitars. It only just surpasses the four-minute mark but it seems to take on a much longer form.

Closing with ‘Chapter - IV’ Wampyric Rites continue their belligerent black metal march with supreme efficiency and twenty-twenty musical vision. I guess that comes with five years of consistent musical output. Even later on in the song when they seem to slow things down tempo-wise, the intensity doesn’t properly end. Instead, there’s just a bit of respite before things ratchet up again.

Inferna Profundus Records are now well known in underground circles for the quality of what they release and this record from Wampyric Rites is no different. Authentic and raw, yet melodic and well-written/produced black metal might sound like an oxymoron but it’s the truth. This is fantastic.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally via bandcamp below:-

Physical copies are available to purchase from Inferna Profundus Records here:-

https://www.ipr666shop.com/inferna-profundus-releases/

Wampyric Rites Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wampyric_rites/

Inferna Profundus Records - https://www.facebook.com/ipr666

It's More Like A Message To You - Live Demo'10

Labels: Polar Summer

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 23 Feb 2017

Tracklist:

1. Кто Тебе Сказал?

2. Наши Имена

3. Фантомы Свободы

I'm trying to use the remainder of 2024 to get through my planned review schedule, as I want to try something a little different come the New Year (though it won't greatly different as that would be a logistical nightmare probably!). I've also got another sweet double song premiere on the way, but more on that later.

Tonight I'm dropping back into my (somewhat) slow going deep-dive into the roster of Russian label Polar Summer because I love em and I'm stubborn. It's More Like A Message To You were a short-live emoviolence band whom released this live demo in 2017 (which, was originally recorded in 2010) and an earlier split with fellow Russian emoviolence band Aspergers in 2013. A couple of things to note about them is that their name is taken from the title of a song by Jeromes Dream and that they went on form Buran, and Ensslin (whom I've featured here before).

This live demo contains just three tracks and according to the Internet, makes up the last available recordings from It’s More Like A Message To You. All three are in Russian and I’m not going to attempt to translate them. Opener ‘Кто Тебе Сказал?’ is definitely fitting of the bands that influenced them and the bands they went on to form, even at it’s absolute rawest. From melodically beautiful, to rabidly intense and back again in less than two minutes. 

‘Наши Имена’ epitomises the strength and emotion that can come through on live recordings, with it’s rousing build-up, harsh screams and insanely good percussion. The vocal/drum fusion does drown out the guitars slightly but this is a DIY live take, so it’s to be expected.

Demo closer ‘Фантомы Свободы’ is also it’s most furious, as ringing feedback gives way to instant emoviolence and dramatic instrumentation that explodes even further when the vocals kick in. Angular, imposing and life-affirming all in one. I know this release won’t be for everyone; even some regular readers might shy away from it but give it chance.

Another snapshot in time of a band that was born, shone brightly and then died just like the stars above our heads.

Tape copies are long sold out from Polar Summer but you can grab the demo as a name-your-price download from the band below:-

It's also available digitally for a super cheap price from Polar Summer below:-

Polar Summer Records - https://polarxsummer.bandcamp.com

Tröpical Ice Land - D

Labels: Dingleberry Records/Krimskramz/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 04 Mar 2019

Tracklist:

1. Calliphoriade

2. Amittat

3. Teresa

4. Kokoro no kaze

5. Reverencia a la nada

6. Pluie de feu

I'm delving back into the earlier release catalogue of Zegema Beach Records this evening, as part of my ongoing roster review series (which I really need to pick up the pace on). Spanish trio Tröpical Ice Land released their 2019 LP D via ZBR in early 2019, with help from Dingleberry Records and Krimskramz too!

It marked their fourth release as a band (though 'Amittat' was released as a standalone single and 'Teresa' appeared on ZBR's Zampler #12 before the full record saw the light of day). The band have links to Enze, Empty Heads and Strong Noises. I first properly discovered them thanks to their appearance on the 2020 five-way split Cinq that also featured Jeanne, Potence, Les Deux Minutes De La Haine and Yarostan.

I was going to open this review with something completely off topic, but it didn’t feel right. My brain works in odd ways sometimes! Allow me to guide you into D by Tröpical Ice Land instead with it’s opener ‘Calliphoriade’. Now it’s probably just me but does that first sixty-second intro remind anybody of ‘Aerials’ by System Of A Down? That’s not a comparison, it’s just an observation because Tröpical Ice Land are on a completely different plane musically, as their atmospheric post-hardcore takes over. 

Majestic and cinematic in the best possible way, without the explosive nature that the sub-genre can possess. Maybe it’s the time of year but I’m here for slower tempos and almost glacial atmosphere, which Tröpical Ice Land deliver beautifully. ‘Amittat’ follows directly on in the same vein, though a retreat into silence and introspection does give way to a more violent approach, which actually brings to mind Spanish compatriots Descubriendo Y Mr. Mime and Hurricade (whose split 7” was also released via Dingleberry Records and Krimskramz, alongside Dog Knights Productions back in 2016). 

After two frankly palatial numbers, ‘Teresa’ comes at you with an unexpected level of rawness. Maybe it’s because of the hasher vocal delivery or the crustier-edge to the instrumentation. Whatever the reason though, it does nothing to dampen the enjoyment you’ll get from this release. As ‘Kokoro no kaze’ signals the record’s latter half, it does so in deceiving fashion as it starts off with the atmosphere that opened things before launching into heavier vibes. 

Penultimate song ‘Reverencia a la nada’ is the most dramatic song on D and as it builds to a likely crescendo, it reminds me of how fleeting my attention span can be at times. Thankfully, I’m dragged back into the moment around about two-and-a-half minutes in by more abrasive screamo/emoviolence (why hasn’t someone just come up with the sub-genre “screamoviolence” yet?).

Closing out with ‘Pluie de feu’, Tröpical Ice Land leave you spellbound thanks to a gut-wrenchingly beautiful instrumental that was slightly unexpected but not out of place. I have this thing where I’m scared to be late but also think that I never have enough time to do things, so I always leave plenty of time for everything. Maybe I just need to chill. I didn’t think I’d have enough time for this tonight but sitting down to write this review after ironing (yes, my life is that glamorous!) has made me relax and truly appreciate this musical moment.

Now, while I implore you to purchase D on vinyl or digitally from Tröpical Ice Land via their bandcamp page below; their songs are also available as free downloads on the same page:-

Tröpical Ice Land - https://www.facebook.com/Tropicaliceland

Physical copies are also still available from the labels below:-

Dingleberry Records - https://www.discogs.com/seller/dingleberryrecords/profile

Krimskramz - https://krimskramz.com/produkt-kategorie/krimskramz-releases/

Zegema Beach Records - https://zbrusa.com/

Dingleberry Records - https://www.facebook.com/DingleberryRecordsAndDistribution

Krimskramz - https://www.facebook.com/krimskramzstuff

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Suspected Of Arson Records - Suite Green and Alas 'Finnskramz Compilation' Song Premiere

As promised yesterday, I'm thrilled to be able to bring you a two song premiere featuring music from two absolutely brilliant Finnish screamo/emo bands. If you''re at all familiar with this blog, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of heavy Finnish music and when the head honcho of Suspected Of Arson Records wrote to me about a compilation the label was releasing, I didn't think twice about featuring it in some way.

I listened to the full comp and asked if I could feature both songs and to my surprise, Chris was happy to oblige. The two bands (and songs) I'm premiering this evening are Suite Green and their song 'Sometimes' alongside 'En ole siellä' by Alas. Both songs are available to stream via my YouTube Channel below:-

I was spellbound by both of these songs when I first heard them. From the melodic approach of Suite Green to the abrasive majesty of Alas; the variety and complexity of musicianship demonstrated by both  bands here, as well as the others who have contributed to this compilation makes it an obvious listen for anybody who is into heavy and enigmatic screamo.

The comp will be available digitally and on limited tape from Suspected Of Arson Records soon.

Suite Green - https://www.facebook.com/suitegreenband

Alas - https://www.facebook.com/alasyhtye

Suspected Of Arson Records - https://www.facebook.com/tulikuljekanssani/

Note: If any of the above information is incorrect, please let me know and I will correct it. Cheers.

Disengagement - Formless In A Violent World

Labels: Self-Released/Dry Cough Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 14 Jul 2023

Tracklist:

1. Black Hole Horizon

2. Permafrost

3. Deathdealer

4. Formless In A Violent World

Continuing (and catching-up) with my write-ups about the releases coming from Manchester, UK based doom/sludge turned doom/death label Dry Cough Records moves a step closer this evening as I focus on the 2023 debut EP from North West quintet Disengagement. Formless In A Violent World saw the light of day (if that's the right phrase) in July 2023 on both digital and tape formats. It proved so popular in fact, that Dry Cough Records pressed a second run of tapes, which are now fully sold out.

On reading through the list of bands that Disengagement's members play in/have played in, it's names including The Flex, Violent Reaction, Sectarian Violence and Headroom that jump out at me. Its got me wondering how they went on to form a band rooted in old-school death metal. Maybe that's a question better left unasked. 

I own a copy of this EP on tape and despite having a portable tape/cd combo player, I’m in the market for a proper tape deck (any leads would be greatly appreciated). I need one to fully appreciate the quality encased within the plastic shell of this and all of the other tapes in my collection. Starting with ‘Black Hole Horizon’, Disengagement presents a down and dirty modern take on OSDM, which is something UK bands do pretty damn well. Pummelling yet classy percussion is joined by rumbling bass, thrash-laden death metal riffs and deep, bellowed vocals.

The opening riffs and tempo of ‘Permafrost’ nod towards the many bands that Disengagement’s members also reside in, but don’t let that fool you. Instead of being influenced by raucous/groovy hardcore, the mid-paced death metal approach turns it into a menacing yet subtle march.

‘Deathdealer’ sees the tempo ratchet up a notch thanks to more thrash-like death metal grooves. It’s a really classy take of death metal that will captivate you, if you haven’t already been dragged in by it’s hellish siren song. I appreciate that it’s been nearly eighteen months since this EP was released, but I for one am hoping that the silence from Disengagement since doesn’t spell the end of the band.

Closing with the title-track ‘Formless In A Violent World’, things get decidedly more sludgy and slower in tempo, leaning evermore towards the old-school. I’m not complaining because everything about it is absolutely perfect. The instrumental and eventual vocal delivery is what makes it so.

If you’re looking for a death metal EP that’s free from experimental noodling and resplendent in straight-forward yet disgusting tones, this is for you. I’m going to stick my neck out and say that it’s the best version  of OSDM I’ve listened to since the (new) current wave of UK death metal crawled out of the soil. More please!

You can stream and purchase Formless In A Violent World digitally below for just £2.00 from Disengagement below:-

Disengagement Instagram - @disengagement.death

Dry Cough Records - https://www.facebook.com/DryCoughRecords

Defect Designer - Chitin

Labels: Transcending Obscurity Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 15 Mar 2024

Tracklist:

1. Uglification Spell

2. To Ziggurat

3. Simulacrum

4. We Will Need Your Chitin

5. We Prescribe

6. Certainty After The Kafkaesque Twist

7. Gaudy Colours From Your Plastic Bag

8. Shine Shine

9. Story Of A Styrofoam

10. Insomnia

11. Nu, Pogodi!

12. Orgone Accumulator

2025 release promos are coming in hot but I'm not done with 2024 yet (after all, I still haven't scratched the surface really). This evening's review is a case in point, as it focuses on Norwegian death metal band Defect Designer and their third full-length Chitin, which was released in March via Transcending Obscurity Records. 

For those unfamiliar,  Defect Designer is duo made up of bassist/vocalist Martin Storm-Olsen (ex-Coldflesh/Trollfest) and guitarist/vocalist Dmitry Sukhinin (Diskord). For this release they enlisted the help of drummer Eugene Ryabchenko (Fleshgod Apocalypse) and guest vocalist Bjorn Strid (Soilwork).

I’m feeling it this week. A late night on Monday after seeing Bilmuri and Sleep Token live in Leeds hasn’t helped, but my god it was worth it! I’ve come to realise that a shift or break in routine isn’t helping me either, so I’m trying my best to realign. The realisation that this review of Defect Designer’s Chitin may take two evenings to complete is very real, as is the intense opener ‘Uglification Spell’. If you like straight-forward death metal that straddles the line between traditional and technical, then this is definitely for you. 

It’s a song that defies it’s seemingly short length thanks to brutal up-tempo passages that sandwich a mid-section of such melodic/instrumental prowess. ‘To Ziggurat’ continues in the same relentless fashion as DD continues to move between brutal yet masterful death metal and moments of virtuosity. The vocals, as on the opener, are ferocious yet stay well clear of the pig-squeal trap.

If you were expecting some kind of progressive tome, you’ve missed the plot entirely. Most of the songs on Chitin barely surpass four minutes. ‘Simulacrum’ is straight out of the tech/death-grind top drawer, with hints of thrash in there for good measure. It’s utterly disgusting in the best possible way and it makes me long for sweaty, intimate local metal gigs again. Maybe Defect Designer will one day make their way to the UK and stop off in Leeds. That’d be so much fun!

‘We Will Need Your Chitin’, which is accompanied by a video, flits between metallic avant-garde weirdness and expressive death-grind in increasingly blurred fashion. Stunningly precise throughout, as it leads to ‘We Prescribe’, which pretty much continues the party with insane blasts and synths that provide a brief sense of symphony. 

Fear not though as Defect Designer soon banish any thoughts of fantasy metal during ‘Certainty After The Kafkaesque Twist’, gathering together their most brutal instrumental and vocal elements. Chitin’s latter half starts with ‘Gaudy Colors From Your Plastic Bag’ and a sludge-like tempo in places (compared to earlier songs). What I’m trying to say is that it sounds more like old-school death metal.

‘Shine Shine’ is brought to life with the melodic vocals of Soilwork’s Bjorn Strid, providing a theatrical flair and change of sound. I’m not sure how I feel about it to be honest. Both DD and Bjorn are excellent musically but the song just feels a little out of place to me. It’s followed by the experimental offering of ’Story Of A Styrofoam’, where bluesy bass/percussion/guitar passages are interspersed with more madcap death-grind.

The old-school vibes are back during the chugging riffs and bellows of ‘Insomia’. It’s title is very apt, putting into musical form the utterly draining feeling of not being able to sleep, which is something we’ve all felt at  some point. Add to that some more clean vocals that seem to mock your sleepless state. The feel completely changes again with penultimate song ’Nu, Pogodi!’ and it’s enjoyably upbeat melodies. 

It’s impossible to know where this album is going from one song to the next and that doesn’t end with album closer ‘Orgone Accumulator’. The final throw of the dice from Defect Designer and one that sees them retreating to more familiar death metal territory (though it’s anything but traditional). 

This album has been a journey! One full of bizarre twists and turns. Defect Designer’s vision of death metal is definitely their own and it’s always evolving. Chitin is an ambitiously delivered album and I think there is still so much more to come from this band.

You can stream Chitin and purchase both on CD, and digitally below (vinyl copies are sold out):-

Defect Designer - https://www.facebook.com/defectdesigner1

Transcending Obscurity Records - https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords

Crowning/Oaktails - Split

Labels: Self-Released/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Digital/Tape (out soon)

Release Date: 11 Oct 2024

Tracklist:

1. Crowning - Jung Money, Freud Problems

2. Oaktails - Dazzling Dress

3. Crowning - Luxor Surrealism

4. Oaktails - Winter Call

US band Crowning have released a split with Japanese band and recent tour-mates Oaktails. It coincided with their tour and was released digitally in October; however, it's due for a tape pressing via Zegema Beach Records soon. Crowning features Dave Cullen (one half of ZBR) and also includes awesome people that play in Greed Worm (Trilly) and Iwan (Justin), not to mention Vanessa and Lowell.  Oaktails are a new name to me entirely, so I'm excited to listen to them too. Also, apologies to Dave if I've ever mixed him up with CanaDave in any of my previous Crowning reviews, because I'm pretty sure I have!

This split features two different takes on screamo. Crowning open things with ‘Jung Money, Freud Problems’, which is best described as a cross between mathrock and post-hardcore. Off-kilter at first before retreating into a more expansive sound that contains both brilliant atmospherics and subtle emotive sassiness.

Next it’s the turn of Oaktails and their first track ‘Dazzling Dress’. They draw influence from the screamo released by the likes of Level Plane and Ebullition. Their music leans towards emoviolence yet the lyrics and vocal delivery are coupled with a heap of the now traditional Japanese approach.

‘Luxor Surrealism’ is Crowning’s second and final song. It follows on perfectly from their opener, both musically and atmospherically, while also going by way too quickly overall. The dynamics amongst Crowning’s members show that they’re absolutely in tune with one another.

Oaktails end the split with their second song ‘Winter Call’. The Japanese lyrics/vocals immediately take hold, as their post-hardcore covers all manner of different sounds and corners of the sub-genre. A brilliant way to end this split and one that will be remembered.

We’re fast approaching year-end and the obligatory End-Of-Year list chaos; however, there’s still time to get in last minute listens to those 2024 releases you may have missed. This split is a perfect reason to live in the moment. Both Crowning and Oaktails are on excellent form. Their personal takes on post-hardcore/screamo are refreshing and enthralling.

You can stream and purchase the split as a name-your-price download from Crowning's bandcamp page below:-

Keep an eye out on the Zegema Beach Records website for news on that tape release (I hope I haven't missed it) - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/

Crowning - https://www.facebook.com/crowningband

Oaktails Instagram - @oaktails

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords