The split EP Leadhate and Fentanyl Tapwater delivers a grimy, sludgy soundscape that’s both tough to digest and intriguingly raw. Each band’s contribution showcases their distinct takes on lo-fi sludge metal, yet both wrestle with similar challenges in production quality and song structure.

Leadhate’s half of the split features two tracks, “Inebriated” and “Malnourished,” which represent different ends of the sludge spectrum, from chaotic to more refined. “Inebriated” This track opens with a slow, low, and relentlessly heavy approach. The drums sound raw and underproduced, adding to the track’s sloppy, unpolished charm. The riffs are thick and crushing, though they’re buried beneath layers of distortion, making them hard to discern. The vocals are guttural and brutal, blending into the murky mix with a lo-fi aesthetic that screams DIY. However, as the track progresses, the recording quality noticeably improves. 

The vocals shift to a more fried tone with an added effect that gives them a sharper edge. Despite its crushing heaviness and unrelenting sludge, “Inebriated” doesn’t tread much new ground. The bass, however, stands out with a surprising clarity and depth that anchors the track amidst the chaos. By contrast, “Malnourished” feels more deliberate and cohesive. The song opens with a thick, doom-laden bassline that sets a foreboding tone. The sludgy production fits the track’s slower pacing, allowing the distorted riffs to flow more naturally. The drums sound tighter and more controlled, with prominent cymbal crashes that add texture to the track. The vocals are deep and harsh, contributing to the oppressive atmosphere. Ironically, for a song titled “Malnourished,” it feels fuller and more satisfying than its predecessor. The basslines stand out once again, creating a sense of dread that complements the well-thought-out structure. Leadhate’s contribution is a tale of two extremes: “Inebriated” struggles with its sloppy execution, while “Malnourished” shines with its more polished and impactful approach.

Fentanyl Tapwater’s half contains more tracks but offers a shorter overall runtime, leaning into their chaotic, distorted aesthetic. Tracks like “A Bomb on the Doorstep of Every Real Estate Company” and “Worldwide Vitamin D Deficiency” epitomize their unsettling sound. These songs are drenched in distortion, with warped guitars and bass creating an atmosphere that’s both disturbing and oddly fascinating. The vocals fluctuate between piercing high-pitched screams and guttural growls, adding an unpredictable edge to the mix. The drums are intentionally sloppy, giving the tracks an unhinged, improvised feel that’s as captivating as it is frustrating. While there are moments of innovation in their sound—especially in how they manipulate distortion and texture—the band struggles with redundancy. The songs’ structures feel repetitive, and despite their brevity, they often blend together. This lack of variation detracts from the otherwise intriguing elements of their approach.

Leadhate and Fentanyl Tapwater offers a glimpse into two bands experimenting within the sludge metal genre. Leadhate’s contributions show potential, especially on the more cohesive “Malnourished,” while Fentanyl Tapwater pushes boundaries with their warped, abrasive style. However, both sides of the split are hampered by inconsistent execution and repetitive songwriting. There’s plenty of raw, sludgy appeal here, but the promise of these bands is yet to be fully realized.