Napalm Death/ Converge Split EP

Two Heavy Metal titans in the shape of Converge and Napalm Death have teamed up to release this 4- track EP "Split" via Deathwish records. If you're familiar with either or both of these bands then I'm sure you're aware that it's a suitably punishing affair. However, there is some added flavour here, which encompasses a cover of Entombed's "Wolverine Blues" by Converge.

In all honesty, I'd rather have another slice of new material from the band. Their cover of "Wolverine Blues" is OK, but it lacks that fuzzy, chaotic Converge touch that probably would have made this a much more thrilling listen. The second track they do here though, "No Light Escapes", is much more akin to the Converge we know and love. Clocking in at 58 seconds, it's a furious, rip roaring minute which sees Kurt Ballou's impeccably ampidextrous guitar riffing push to the for and Jacob Bannon's vocals return to their frightening intensity. It won't get down as a classic in Converge's catalogue, but it's a nice sign of things to come when Converge release their upcoming album at the end of 2012.

The first Napalm Death track from the EP, "No Impediment to Triumph (Bhopal)" is a surprisingly melodic affair for the Birmingham Grindcore legends, but it still contains all those things that make Napalm Death so vital, still, 30 years after their conception. Barney Greenway's vocals are unforgettably thick and loud, as always, but the syncopated drumming and tuneful melody behind the riff show Napalm Death getting in touch with their prettier (er... sort of) side. "Will By Mouth" is much more Napalm Death- esque track, featuring furious blast- beats, frantic, doom- laden tremolo picking and an ending which is a groove- heavy and memorable punk blast.

"Split" isn't a groundbreaking or vital release. It just shows that both Converge and Napalm Death, both with over two decades of history in the heavy metal game, are still doing what they do best, and are still rather good at it. Napalm Death's "Utilitarian" did a mighty fine job of proving that earlier this year, whilst we have high hopes that Converge will still be sounding as frantic and terrifying as always on their new record, due out later this year. Until then though, this is a slightly unnecessary but tantalizing supplement.

Key Tracks: "No Light Escapes" "No Impediment To Triumph (Bhopal)"

7/10