Two sides of the same coin. That’s the best way to describe Poser and Grasping at Straws on this split release. Both bands deliver a relentless, overproduced take on deathcore—crushingly heavy, aggressive, and polished to an almost mechanical degree—but neither really brings anything fresh to the table. Their styles are so similar that the songs could almost be interchangeable, following the same blueprint: ultra-low-tuned guitars churning out thick, chugging riffs, monstrous, bloodcurdling vocals, lightning-fast drumming, massive breakdowns, and pristine production that makes everything sound bigger than life. On paper, that all sounds great, but in execution, it often feels like it’s been done before. The sheer heaviness starts to work against them, making the music feel almost forced—like they’re trying so hard to be brutal that it ends up lacking the raw, organic energy that makes heavy music truly hit.

That said, there are some subtle differences between the two bands that give each side of the split its own flavor. Poser leans more into the straight-up modern deathcore sound, drawing heavy influence from bands like Thy Art Is Murder and Veil of Maya. Their two tracks are packed with thick, crushing riffs and pummeling breakdowns, all amplified by an almost surgically clean production style. While the songs are undeniably heavy, that very same polish works against them—there’s no real grit or rawness, nothing that makes the music feel dangerous. It’s well-executed, but a little too safe. However, one notable moment on the split comes from the opening track, where they briefly break out of the heaviness with an acoustic section and clean singing. It actually flows really well and adds a dynamic shift that makes the song stand out a bit. It’s a small but welcome change of pace.

On the other hand, Grasping at Straws takes a slightly different approach, incorporating more nu-metal and metalcore influences into their deathcore sound. Their tracks are groovier, shorter, and make use of elements like turntable scratches to give their songs a bit more bounce. There’s a definite Kublai Khan feel to their sound, but without the same swagger or attitude that makes that band’s music so compelling. The grooves are there, the heaviness is undeniable, but again, it doesn’t feel particularly unique or memorable.

So, are these tracks heavy? Absolutely. Are they fun to listen to? Sure, if you’re just looking for something to bang your head to. But are they doing anything new or exciting within the genre? Not really. Both Poser and Grasping at Straws clearly know how to write punishingly heavy music, but in an oversaturated scene where bands are constantly pushing the boundaries of extreme music, this split ultimately feels like just another drop in the ocean. It’s enjoyable, but not essential.