This split between Impale and Murder Blossom is pretty damn impressive, if I’m being honest. Both bands bring their own unique energy, and the contrast between them makes for an exciting listen from start to finish. Impale has definitely tightened up their sound on this release, refining their style into something more polished and focused. The pacing is spot on, with snappy, aggressive drums driving the intensity forward and razor-sharp guitar riffs cutting through with precision. It’s solid hardcore with a clear sense of direction. That being said, the vocals could be mixed a bit better—they sometimes get a little lost in the mix, which can be frustrating at times—but it's still a solid performance overall.
On the other hand, Murder Blossom leans more into chaos, but in a way that still manages to sound tight and coherent. There's an unpredictability to their sound, but they keep it sharp and precise, especially in how the drums and bass lock together. They complement each other perfectly, giving the music a solid backbone while the riffs themselves remain erratic and chugging with intensity. As with Impale, the vocals occasionally get buried in the mix, which can make them harder to catch, but even with that slight drawback, Murder Blossom manages to create some seriously chaotic yet groovy music.
One thing I really appreciate about this split is the contrast between the two bands. Their styles are wildly different, which makes each song stand out even more. It’s easy to distinguish between Impale and Murder Blossom, and that keeps the flow of the release interesting without becoming muddled or confusing. The diversity between the two acts adds to the overall experience, offering a bit of everything while still maintaining a strong sense of identity for each band. It’s a well-curated split that showcases the unique strengths of both acts and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
RATING: 8.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
No Time To Breathe
Coward