Two bands from two separate continents here, united in their desire to mangel. Svaveldioxid have impressed in the past and continue to do so here with three originals and a Krunch cover. Vocals are low and bellicose while the music sounds like you’re hearing it from the wrong end of a wind tunnel – you’re buffeted this way and that, trying to keep on your feet, and the only thing you can really make sense of are vague chord shapes and the mosquito-like whine of atonal solos. If you like the idea of being caught in the middle of a pissing contest between Swedish kängpunk and Japanese rawness, then you’re in exactly the right place.
Skeleton are not the Skeleton who’ve just released a record on 20 Buck Spin. They are another Skeleton. Got it? While cut from similar patch-encrusted cloth to Svaveldioxid this lot are a different shade of grey, with the sound a little deeper and things a bit more contained and clearly delineated. The songs are taut and there’s an enjoyable grittiness to the sound – they remind me of Doom and other such 90s UK crust, but whether that’s intentional or happenstance is anyone’s guess.
Overall, a really good, strong, punch-to-the-gut split – love the cover art as well!