I've always enjoyed sampling international hardcore or punk. Sometimes it's nice to have a reality check. It seems like sometimes we're under the impression that hardcore is an expressively American creation or tradition, and though the genre certainly manifested itself in the states, predominantly, often times international bands have perfected it. I'd never heard of either of these bands before I listened to this release, which I think was good; I didn't really have a frame of reference. That said, I think both these bands put forth a good effort and have put a together a good split.
End of a Season hail from Italy, they have three songs on the record. Based on their name I expected to hear something similar to Envy or Orchid, but was surprised to hear something a little more straightforward. According to the band themselves they were raised on "bread and Poison the Well." The comparison's fair, End of a Season play atmospheric, mid-tempo hardcore with technical guitar leads, with the customary throaty vocals. The band isn't afraid to take some risks, though. The last song, "The White Chrysalis" is probably my favorite offering, it starts off with a nice guitar intro, echoing Saetia, the rest of the song is pretty characteristic of the band, some nice breaks, all climaxing and dropping with crashing cymbals and guitars.
Many Men Have Tried are from Austria, they also have three songs and a Police cover (!!!). Probably the less metallic of the two bands, Many Men Have Tried play something closer to Trial or Unbroken, it's definitely passionate, but the band isn't willing to abandon hardcore convention, which is okay. This side of the split definitely has the mid-90's feel going for it, which of course, isn't for everyone. The leads are a little more prominent here, the breaks are a little more pronounced which might come off as corny, but again, this style isn't for all. Growing up with bands from the 2000's this almost reminds me of when I first heard Turn it Around. At the time I loved it, but it became a little contrived and formulaic over time. I'd say this band is inspired enough to avoid cliché, though. The band gets bonus points for tackling "Message in a Bottle;" talk about ambitious.
Both bands here have taken metalcore, spanning from its Cleveland roots, taken to its most over the top, fun 90's incarnations and early 2000's progression and made a pretty good record. One Euro of each split sold goes to animal rights activism. If you're a fan of this type of music, take a chance and hear an international take on it.
