Best Splits Of 2022
I love split albums as they usually are a great introduction to a new band. You see, usually I will pick up a split album because I like one of the bands playing on it. That split will then serve as an introduction to the other band(s) featured on the split. Or in other cases I will pick it up because it is an easy introduction to bands that might be interesting to me. Over the past year I have listened to my fair share of splits and I present to you the best five I have heard.
1
Crowning / Naedr - Rayau
Left Hand Label, Zegema Beach
Naedr really impressed me with their debut full length album. I was so curious to see if they could match that level of intensity and song-craft on this split. I was not disappointed. It was also my introduction to Crowning, who, in my opinion, are not at the same level as Naedr. Their side of the split was simply less memorable. It was a pleasant introduction nonetheless and I will follow the releases of this band in the future.
2
Crossed / Vibora - Pena
Shoverec
Again a split where I know one band and was so curious to see if they could deliver again. This split is something special though. Both bands wrote two songs and then handed over one of the two songs to the other band for them to complete. The end result is a very coherent EP that is one big explosion (lasting about ten minutes). Both bands have some excellent releases under their belt and Pena is a brilliant addition to both discographies.
3
Spasticus / Boia - Spasticating Execution
Caligari Records, Necrolatry Records
This split album is an introduction to two starting Italian death metal bands. Both play their own take on the cavemen style death metal. I am a sucker for that style of Death metal. Both bands deliver the goods with only three songs each. I am looking forward to more material from both bands!
4
Nathr / Ordo Cultum Serpentis - Shadows Crawl
Signal Rex
Another split from two bands I had never heard of before. On this split, both bands play blackened funeral doom. This basically means things are slow and brooding. This split is basically the dark and broody stranger of the bunch. It takes its time, but it will drag you in. Slowly but surely. Nathr delivers the most appealing song of the two, but I also enjoy the b-side.
5
Deiquisitor / Phrenelith / Taphos / Undergang - Tetralogy Of Death
Extremely Rotten Productions
Look at the name of the label releasing this. Bear in mind that “tetralogy” means a set of four related symptoms or abnormalities frequently occurring together. Now guess the genre? Yes, we are back in disgusting death metal land. I stumbled upon this four way split because of Undergang. I love their dirty grooves. The debut of Phrenelith also left a big impression. Their second album not so much, so I was curious to see if they still had it (based on their song on this split: they do!). And after listening to this split I just had to add two bands to my list of bands to check out. In other words, a lovely split to play at parties if you feel like clearing the room.
- Dennis
