Razör Förge / Chaoshorde

This is a brief split, and a pretty shaky one at that. I'm talking mainly about the Razör Förge side, which appears to be the first release of a solo project, so some rough edges are acceptable, only I wish that didn't extend to so many aspects of the experience. The vocals register as a blackened punky shout, the guitars are melodic and classic in '80s style yet frayed by the questionable production, through which bass sticks like a surprise fruit knife in a soft melon, and the drums lose out in all the noise. I suppose that 'Profane Savage' should be seen as a stab towards early USPM or the modern persuasion for blackened speed metal, with the solo suggesting the former and the harshness pointing to the latter; whichever way round, I wish Razör Förge a better recording set-up next time round.

Chaoshorde have a few short releases already in circulation and sound like they do, the Greeks seeming positively sparkling by comparison despite aiming for a black thrash sonority somewhat close to Norwegian proponents like Deathhammer. Though I've heard sharper guitar tones, the speed of the riffing whips up a storm of momentum on the appropriately named 'Chäos Räisers', flashing along until a nice drop to more groovy riffing after halfway. The soloing here goes appropriately off the chain and just about stays under control to accompany the final chorus and bring a split of just over 8 minutes to a breathless close. The Chaoshorde track is good stuff, but I expect the physical copies of this to be the kind dug out of the attic after a few years to become obscure curiosities.