Sepolcral: Reborn - VI / Antagonism: Dishonor-able (split CD)

The 'split', where two bands showcase their talent across one CD, is very much an extreme metal thing. On this occasion we have two Italian outfits, Sepolcral and Antagonism coming together to halve ten tracks evenly between them via the eclectic Italian label, SG Records. Both specialise in death metal, Sepolcral hitting with a modern, technical smash and grab, while Antagonism slam a rawer, rougher smack into place.

Calling their portion Reborn – VI, Sepolcral get things under way, manic guitars the order of the day as a flurry of notes and barks rain down on the unsuspecting. Vocalists Dan and Pist share the screams and growls, a nice, if thin line of difference between the pair leaving room for both to shine, while doubling the ferocity when they hit together. "Stench" is possibly the most full on offering the sextet emit, drummer Frank proving a mean force to be reckoned with, while the guitars from Fazz and Chris create a mighty, towering shove of intensity. Leaving Kevin on bass to anchor all in place, his contribution to "Media Induced Coma" (you've got to love that song title) and "Plague" key to their success.

A short untitled intro begins Antagonism's time in the spotlight, a bleak Oriental melody rudely broken by air-raid sirens as way of introduction to "Fukushima". This is deep intense fare, guest singer Stefania Salladini adding clean colourful strokes to the throaty expulsions and clean emanations of Marco Ravich and singing guitarist Marco Vitali. The trio make a strong impression, however take in the mid paced thundersnap of "Instincts Of Social Virtuality" and you'll soon hear that the male vocal combo make an equal impact without their female cohort. From there "Wild Financial Predation" and "Disonrevole" prove that this lot are as impactful whether hitting through English, or Italian lyrics. Salladini is pushed more to the front in the Italian worded latter, a track that almost combines death metal values to the staccato bursts Rage Against The Machine used to great effect. While the former is the most traditional slice of death anywhere across this whole release.

Italy has a strong extreme metal scene right now and Reborn – VI/Dishonor-able is an excellent opportunity to sample two bands which may well have slipped under you radar. Neither disappoint and with both Sepolcral and Antagonism offering different takes on the genre, there's sure to be something here for most followers of the European death scene to enjoy.

Track Listing
1. Angerlust
2. Plague
3. Charon
4. Media Induced Coma
5. Stench
6. /
7. Fukushima
8. Instincts Of Social Virtuality
9. Wild Financial Predation
10. Dishonor-able

Added: February 22nd 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: SG Records
Hits: 1755
Language: english

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