Magrudergrind / Shitstorm split (w/ Shitstorm)

I was overjoyed to find the Magrudergrind/Shitstorm split in my latest package from Lambgoat, because I was going to buy it and this saved me some money. I'll admit that I've never heard Magrudergrind before, but I got a preview to these Shitstorm tracks this past winter. While I'm partial to the half of this disc belonging to Shitstorm, I'll say that both of these bands are evenly matched, and make a great pair for a split album. For those not familiar with Magrudergrind, who occupy the first half of this split, I'll let you know that these gentlemen play a chaotic style of grindcore that conjures up similarities to early Pig Destroyer material (think "Explosions in Ward 6"). These songs are blazing fast, with relatively simple, straightforward riffs. But these guys also lay down some serious grooves, which are quite enjoyable. The changes come quick, frequent, and in places I wasn't expecting. This makes for chaotic songs, even if the riffs aren't overly technical. I enjoy these songs immensely because there are plenty of dynamics, instead of straight blasts the entire time. During a few songs I can hear an old-school thrash influence, which makes for some catchy tunes. The mixing of grind and thrash influences creates a great powerviolence feel, and I keep wanting more after the 10 songs are over. The majority of the vocals are higher screams, and this man sounds like he's possessed. There are some lower yells, as well as some group shouts to add dynamics to the vocal performance, which makes these songs more memorable. Shitstorm kicks straight ahead with even faster songs that pack a hell of a punch. There is Napalm Death written all over this half of the split. These guys whip out songs that are a bit less chaotic than Magrudergrind, but there is a more urgent ferocity to this half. A serious punk influence brings in the Napalm Death sounds, yet there are also modern influences that remind me of Nasum (Napalm Death worshipers in their own right). Shitstorm will occasionally slow it way down to a trudging groove during the longer songs, and I dare say this brings Assuck to my mind. Like their split-mates, these guys know when to throw in some dynamics to make for memorable grind songs. The vocals are deeper and quite raspy, which I personally prefer more. The drumming, courtesy of Rick Smith (of Torche) is precise and tight. Sometimes, a sloppier style of drumming can make grindcore songs have a bit more character, but this ultra-tight, powerful drumming suits Shitstorm perfectly. Jonathan Nunez, also of Torche, holds down the guitar duties. The overall productions definitely suit the band, and I wouldn't change a thing. Neither band sports a bassist, and I can't say that it matters much in the context of this split. The productions are a bit muddy and thick, but I don't want my grindcore sounding slick. I just feel like that defeats the purpose. Why try and make a dirty style of music sound clean Bottom Line: Neither Magrudergrind nor Shitstorm are going to be hailed as overwhelmingly original bands, but both have plenty of talent and dynamics to write catchy grindcore songs. I don't see how any fan of Napalm Death, Pig Destroyer, Nasum, Assuck, or just grindcore in general, couldn't love this split. While neither band is up there with the giants of grind, I bet these bands will both carve out there own pieces of this genre.