Trigger Happy / Pessimiser

Following some potent if redundant singles and EP's, the real Masters of Misery, Grief have injected some power into their overall sound by 94, and this split is definitely a testament to that augmentation. Entering the ring with an epic atmospheric opening, the riffing combining crawling Iommi riffage with pummeling droning chords. The production while certainly a shade off the Century Media debut, nevertheless displays an impressive mix that foreshadows that colossal wall of sound, and only the vocals seem a tad weaker in comparison. As strong as that record is, the songs do get monotonous and drag, but Grief show more variation with this track, just riff after riff flowing more ruggedly than ever, but sounding lethal as ever. Would have easily been a highlight on Come to Grief, and the mix would have no doubt improved the vocals (as well as the redundant latter half. Good shit.

After Curves that Kick, 16 appeared on an ridiculously astronomical number of splits, share this one with the more hostile Grief. The punk roots show a tad more, with the gang vocals and simple midpaced riff that follow that catchy bassline. Nice chugging midsection, with several head nodding chunky and atonal Helmet excursions. It is certainly more versatile and way more accessible than their notoriously dour split mates. Despite the equally misanthropic lyrics, the switchups are more frequent, and the variations keep the energy vibrant, and the Metal/Post Hardcore vibes are vigorous enough to outweigh the production.

Verdict? Can't believe I'm sayin' this, but Grief came through with another punishing track. The Iommi sludge riffage with the inertia between the riffs is fucking nice here, and the band actual attempt to keep the tracks moving makes this better than most of their mopey downward spirals. 16 throw in an easier though more constantly shifting track, more time changes, and riff ideas, giving this a nice balance. Another quality Sludge split right here folks. Cop this fucker.