Six Reasons to Kill / Absidia

Recently it seems the age-old practice of paying as little as possible for releasing an album has gone out the window. It may be that most split records are hidden in the periphery, but it's always nice to be able to purchase one record with twice the artists. The first four songs by Six Reasons to Kill are a vitriolic pummel-fest corroded by a plethora of Pantera squeals. It’s all heavy hitting mosh madness, using essentially the same type of chord progression in every song. Absidia begin with a haunting piano track that melts into metallic terror. The quirky screeches and ascending tremolo tags that characterise almost everyone from across the pond are more than prevalent. This isn’t to say they're incompetent, but knowing they are a new member of Lifeforce Records is enough to help one imagine their brand of metal. They break it down with some chug-tastic stereo panning and melt into a soft, medieval guitar line. The next song starts with a folkish In Flames riff that is soon bludgeoned by heavy guitar stabs and a strange guitar solo. They are somewhat creative with the song writing and maintain a good sense of unity. It isn't about to change the world, but it won't be lying dormant with the obscure splits either.