God Mother: a hardcore quartet out of Stockholm influenced by bands like Rotten Sound, Converge, and Gaza. Artemis: brother from a different mother sending their own brand of hardcore around the UK. The two groups have joined forces for a split release with WOOAAARGH. Given their similar style and penchant for breaking bones, it seems like a match made in heaven. With 5 tracks clocking in at about 12 minutes, you should probably put on some knee pads or something.
God Mother does the honor of kicking off the festivities with 3 songs of their own. "Between Voids" and "Loss" are both totally anthemic and filled with punk rock adrenaline. The drummer has to be ready to keel over the minute their set ends, because there is no way he has not expended all of his energy in that time. I also really appreciate the very memorable hooks the band throws in amidst the otherwise chaotic mess of power chords. The latter track is strong with the Converge/Ballou influence with its squeeling guitars, rumbling bassline, and aggressive gang vocals. Gotta scream along with this one.
Artemis' side is much more subdued...no, I'm just f@#king with you keep your helmet on. I was not familiar them, having been attracted to this split originally due to my knowledge of God Mother's previous album. But this other band may very well have stolen the show here. The production is not quite as raw, but the instrumentation sure as hell is. There is a more mathy, dissonant quality to the riffs, and I love that the vocals at times remind me of Jeffrey Moreira (Poison the Well). It's mostly when he breaks into those righteous half-spoken, half-screamed moment like at the end of "Absentees."
All around great stuff from both groups here. Passion, energy, rebellion...smells like teen spirit indeed. I just wish there was more to be had, but you can always check out the bands' previous output for that (please do). Check out the two videos below and head over to WOOARGH to nab a copy. More God Mother HERE. More Artemis HERE.