New York vs North Yorkshire is a punishing, groove-driven split that perfectly captures the intensity and nuance of modern hardcore. Featuring the UK’s Cross of Disbelief and the U.S.’s Impunity, the EP spans six tracks that demonstrate how heavy music can hit both physically and emotionally. Themes of resistance, frustration, and confronting falsehoods run through the release, anchored by crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and relentless vocal ferocity.
The EP opens with Cross of Disbelief’s “Skulls”, immediately setting the tone with dense, pounding drum patterns and jagged, dissonant riffs that feel like a call to arms. The harsh, main vocals, paired with unhinged backing screams, generate a chaotic, almost violent energy — an ideal introduction to the split. Following this, “The Invitation” amplifies the tension, layering gut-wrenching bass lines with stop-and-go grooves that pull the listener into an unpredictable, unorthodox rhythm. Eerie guitar solos drift above the oppressive heaviness, creating the sense of stepping into a hostile, unforgiving world.
Cross of Disbelief continues exploring existential struggle on “This World Will Never Be”, where slow, brooding builds erupt into groovy drum patterns and cathartic screams. Brief flashes of clean vocals provide a moment of reflection before the chaos returns, emphasizing the contrast between fleeting hope and crushing disillusionment. Across their contribution, the band balances oppressive heaviness with moments of liberation, hammering home the message of confronting life’s harsh realities head-on.
The second half of the split is taken over by Impunity, who ratchet up the intensity with “Process Efficiency”. Tight, rapid-fire drums collide with low, grooving riffs reminiscent of 90s hardcore, yet with a modern, visceral edge. High-pitched, piercing screams cut through the mix, contrasted by male backing vocals that underscore the tension between outer aggression and inner frustration. On “Key Performance Indicator”, the groove-driven hardcore deepens, with methodical, precise drumming offset by plucky bass lines and bursts of death-metal-inspired riffing. The track captures the grind of daily pressures while maintaining a relentless momentum.
The EP closes with Impunity’s “98% Fake”, a track that combines infectious riffs, bouncing grooves, and ear-piercing vocals to create an explosive finale. The song encapsulates the split’s overarching themes — frustration with dishonesty, the struggle for authenticity, and catharsis through unapologetically heavy music. The groovy, head-nodding ending leaves a lasting impression, compelling the listener to hit replay immediately.
Across the split, both bands balance raw intensity with creative nuance. Massive kick drums and bass anchor each track, guitars cut with precision, and vocals range from guttural rage to melodic reflection. The result is a cohesive, immersive experience where each song reinforces the EP’s core themes.
Cross of Disbelief, hailing from the UK, are known for their metallic hardcore sound, combining enormous drum hits, dense riffing, and unhinged vocals. Momentum from singles and collaborations culminates in this split, which highlights their chaotic yet controlled approach to heavy music. Impunity, from the U.S., lean into groove-driven hardcore with death-metal edges, sharp, high-pitched vocals, and bass-heavy mixes. Though newer on the scene, their tight performances and infectious energy make them an exciting counterpart to Cross of Disbelief. Together, the split becomes a transatlantic showcase of modern hardcore — UK heaviness meeting American groove.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
11 Skulls
The Invitation
98% Fake