Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals

This split EP from legendary vocalist Philip Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual) and Texas thrash metallers Warbeast is an epic battle between two monolithically crushing sounds. War of the Gargantuas marks the first ever released solo material from Anselmo (and the Illegals), with two tracks that are the EP's main attraction, offering a glimpse of what to expect from his debut album, which is tentatively scheduled for release sometime this year. "Conflict" is anchored by Anselmo's iconic vocals — a mix of raspy shrieks and deep growls — while "Family, 'Friends,' and Associates" is a mishmash of powerful hardcore, visceral grind, groove-heavy thrash and punk attitude. Warbeast's "Birth of a Psycho" showcases impressive guitar work, with memorable, Pantera-esque riffs, while "IT" is highlighted by machine-gun drumming, ferocious vocals and an incendiary guitar solo. With four stellar tracks, War of the Gargantuas sets into motion fervent anticipation for both Anselmo's upcoming solo effort and Warbeast's second full-length, Destroy, which is set for an early 2013 release.