Labels: Dead Tank
Review by: Kunal Nandi
Grrrr!!! This is mean as all hell, sludgy like leeches rolling around in mud, and so heavy I nearly shat out my duodenum in the process of slapping this on the turntable. Featuring ex-members of Dragbody (which makes sense) and Mid Carson July (which doesn’t), Railsplitter set about cracking skulls with six track of some pretty damn good southern-fried style stoner hardcore action.
Sadly, while this is a hell of a lot of fun, it’s also derivative of a number of superior, longer-running acts. Railsplitter songs seem to go on for a bit too long, bashing the ideas to within an inch of their lives, making it at times more of a barrage of formless noise, so boredom can set in. Quantity, not quality. The catchy hooks of Weedeater, the sheer, brutal inventiveness of Soilent Green, the evil intensity of Ire or Grief, the heaviness of Cavity or the sudden, blazingly brilliant riffs that Eyehategod toss out so effortlessly – they’re all aspired to, but not quite bettered… yet.
But, like I said, it is fun, and if it’s loud and heavy, with big thick riffs and a swing to proceedings, then my critical faculties fail me and I can’t help digging it. Give Railsplitter a bit more time (this is their first release I think) and they are bound to become a real force to be reckoned with.
Lovely cover too!