Orchid - the Encyclopedia of American Traitors - split - 7

Labels: Witching Hour
Review by: Andy Malcolm

Hmm, Encyclopedia have a cool name, but are pretty boring on the whole. Pretty heavy and crunchy hardcore stuff with lingering, screamy vocals. Sometimes it gets fast enough on both songs, and that’s when it does get interesting, but unfortunately the rest isn’t worth fussing over. They sound like a slower and less good Swarm to me.

So I’m relying on Orchid to save this split… and it’s a relief when they are playing super fast from the get go. They’re heavy and do some metal like their friends on the other side of the record, but garner points from me by going fast enough to create a listenable noise, whilst on their second track they really hit a groove for much of the song. Probably the best I’ve heard from them yet. Track 3 is a full on frenzy, pounding and devestating. Yup, 3 more chaotic efforts of screamo cream from this band. For those who like it violent.