The Pitch: California's Palace of Worms (Balan of Botanist) and Indiana's Ecferus join forces to bring some highly dismal and decrepit blackened death.
What I Like: The mailer stated that Palace of Worms is further exploring its death metal side on this one. I tend to agree. While The Ladder was a rightly acclaimed album, it was a much more somber, depressive, black metal-influenced record. On this split, the bleak moodiness has been traded for explosive, crusty drumming and even more vile vocals. The creepy samples are a nice touch as well. As for Ecferus, I consider this a significant leap forward from their previous effort. I dare say that their 3 songs may even be more demented and also technical than PoW's. Whoever wore it better, it all comes together as a very impressive display of carnage.
What I Don't Like: At times I feel like this split is missing a little something that prevents it from truly reaching out and grabbing me by the throat like it wants to. I haven't decided exactly what it is.
The Verdict: Impressive split by two up-and-comers you should be aware of.
Flight's Fav's: The Lost, Wendigo Sickness, Unveiled With Spears, Ritual Calamity