Oblivionized/Plague Widow - Split Review

So, real talk; I've been sitting here for almost an hour trying to figure out how to start this review, and I can't seem to come up with anything witty or captivating, so let me just come clean and cut to the chase about this here new split that's sure to get talked and buzzed about on the internets a lot in the next couple months. Oblivionized and Plague Widow both got a considerable amount of buzz in the last couple years thanks to their debut EP's, and it's not hard to figure out why. The recordings were excellent, the musicianship was incredible and very professional, and they promoted the hell out of themselves to good results. Now the two bands have decided to join together and share a couple new tracks on one piece of hot wax. Oblivionized, now slimmed down to a trio, hit us with two new tracks of technical grinding madness. They describe themselves as "avant-grindcore" on their bandcamp, but for the unfamiliar, going into this expecting something really out there might be a bit let down. They're technical and grindy in the same way bands like Cephalic Carnage are, but more rooted in death metal. The guitars on here screech, skronk and squeal, with tons of high note spazz-out moments, and it's all very impressive, but Oblivionized wisely balance the madness with crushing, power stomping riffs and grooves. Keeping it all spazz all the time would have just made the whole thing rather annoying after a while. It's why I could never really get into bands like Dillinger Escape Plan much. The 2nd track in particular, "Just Show Me How It Ends"; has a riff that kicks off this song that is just bone breaking, and a wonderful blast riff towards the end that gets me pumped every time.  Plague Widow on the other hand, bring a whole different breed of insanity to the table. The song's are certainly not as technical as Oblivionized's are (although knowing their guitarists other projects they certainly could be), but they're heavy in the overall grim atmosphere and unrelenting attack. Particularly in regards to the drums, which are so tight, clean and fast that if you told me it was a drum machine I wouldn't doubt you for a second. Fantastically heavy stuff, which is interesting for me to say due to how clean and processed the recording is, which I'm generally not a fan of. I guess that goes to show that Plague Widow are masters of their craft. Though I would have to say my favorite part of there side is the vocals. Fantastically deep growls, reminding me of Travis Ryan at times. They're the rotten cherry on top of this sick platter of death and decay. Great stuff from both bands, definitely one to pick up.

Rating: 7.5/10

Buy it HERE

~VII