There’s something especially fitting about pairing Azshara and Unmoved on a split like Cold Blooded Tag Team. Both bands clearly operate within the metalcore spectrum, yet they draw from entirely different ends of its evolution. One leans into the past—channeling the melodic, blackened textures of early 2000s metalcore—while the other embraces a more forward-thinking, chaotic approach. The result is a release that feels less like a unified statement and more like a snapshot of the genre’s current identity: divided between revivalism and experimentation.

Azshara’s side is rooted in atmosphere, precision, and controlled intensity. “Cradle of Dawn” begins with a slow-burning introduction, layering resonant drums and shimmering riffs before locking into a driving, high-energy assault. Once it gains momentum, the track delivers sharp tremolo-picked riffs, relentless double-kick patterns, and an aggressive vocal performance that, while powerful, occasionally gets lost in the mix. That slight production imbalance keeps the song from reaching its full potential, but it doesn’t diminish the sheer force behind it.

What truly elevates Azshara’s sound is their command of dynamics. The drumming, in particular, stands out—the snare cuts through with clarity, anchoring even the most frenetic sections. When the band transitions into slower, chug-driven passages, there’s a sense of scale and weight that gives the breakdowns a more deliberate impact, even if they tread familiar ground stylistically.

“Nocturne” shifts gears into something more restrained and ominous. The pacing is more deliberate, allowing the riffs to breathe and develop with greater depth. There’s a palpable tension in how the track moves between crawling, bass-heavy segments and bursts of speed, though it doesn’t always fully capitalize on that buildup. The breakdown feels somewhat subdued, lacking the final push needed to make it truly hit. The track also lingers a bit too long toward the end, but in exchange, it showcases a broader range—balancing atmosphere and aggression in a way that highlights Azshara’s strengths. It reinforces their identity as a band deeply connected to melodic metalcore’s roots, but with a darker, more brooding edge.

Unmoved’s half of the split flips the script entirely. Where Azshara is calculated and cohesive, Unmoved thrives in unpredictability and raw energy. “Set This World Straight” launches in with dense, chug-heavy riffing and tightly wound percussion. When everything locks together, the rhythm section hits with real force, and the layered vocals add a sense of urgency. However, the mix occasionally buries those vocals, and despite the clarity of the production, there’s an odd lack of physical weight in certain moments—like the heaviness doesn’t fully translate.

Still, that instability works to the band’s advantage. The track’s erratic structure and slightly unrefined execution give it a distinct personality. It feels volatile, as if it could collapse at any moment, and that tension keeps it engaging even when it’s uneven.

“Fury Thru” follows a similar trajectory, opening with slower, deliberate riffing before building into more intense, drum-driven passages. The drumming again takes center stage—punchy, intricate, and constantly in motion—but it also contributes to one of the track’s main issues. During the breakdown, the arrangement becomes overcrowded, with each element competing for attention. Instead of delivering a singular, crushing impact, the moment feels cluttered and slightly diluted.

That same sense of “weightlessness” appears here as well, softening sections that should feel massive. And yet, there’s an undeniable appeal in the chaos. Unmoved’s sound may lack polish, but it compensates with unpredictability and a willingness to push boundaries. It’s messy, but it leaves an impression.

As a complete package, Cold Blooded Tag Team doesn’t aim for cohesion—and it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in contrast. Azshara delivers a focused, atmospheric take on the blackened melodic metalcore revival, executing familiar ideas with precision and intent. Unmoved, meanwhile, feels like a band experimenting in real time, blending technicality and disorder with mixed but intriguing results.

The split ultimately lands somewhere in the middle. It offers enough compelling moments—memorable riffs, dynamic percussion, and glimpses of distinct identity—to keep listeners engaged, even as inconsistencies hold it back from hitting harder overall. It’s a release full of promise: occasionally excellent, frequently interesting, and rough around the edges in ways that both enhance and limit its impact.