Execrated

It is notorious that I am not particularly fond of split-CDs. These promotional items usually contain too little original content to attract my attention. However, when a local group appears on such publication, I typically agree to throw an ear on it. Thus I obtain Execrated, a split between Hak-Ed Damm and Blackhorned. While the first group is from my hometown and plays a convenient ultra brutal black metal, the second is Danish and officiates more in a creepy black thrash metal register. This joint publication, launched when the Quebec band experienced a temporary hiatus, offers eight pieces (four each) but very little new material…

Hak-Ed Damm starts hostilities with a song that bears their name and already appeared on their only album, Nekrowristfucked. It includes most sound characteristic of the band, marked by a drumming worthy of a hyperactive epileptic and very good bass lines. My interest, however, rests on Drain the Pigs, only new song on this split. It is solid and well made, peharps missing some teeth but bodes the best for a possible second album. Quebec portion of the split ends with a rehearsal recording of T-34 and a Marduk cover live extract, a non-surprising choice, given the many stylistic similarities existing between the two groups. The live recording, raw and aggressive, gives a good idea of ​​the band’s scenic potential and their “PANZER, VORWÄRTS!” attitude.

I was curious to hear Blackhorned’s portion of the split, a group that I enjoy for many years. However, I am extremely disappointed to learn that all four songs available on Execrated are the same that can be on the same In a Swarm of Flaming Shadows, an EP launched just last year! Promotional aspect of this decision freezes my enthusiasm, to say the least. Still emphasize that all four titles are a band’s register perfect fit, that is to say a black thrash crossing Scandinavian 1990s bands and German 1980s thrash. It’s raw, dirty and sweaty, but I would have liked to hear new material.

Purpose of a split-CD is to provide some visibility to bands, between the releases of two full-lengths. Execrated meets this mandate by disseminating music for two very good underground bands. However, my bias against this format of music distribution emerges reinforced. One exclusive song on eight tracks? It is very little … Fully reusing contents of an EP launched just months before? it’s pointless … outside of that context related to split production and label shenanigans, content is still worth it and will satisfy those who want to learn more Blackhorned and Hak-Ed Damm without necessarily acquire all their previous releases. 5/10

Originally written for Métal Obscur.