Two very promising bands take on each other with this split 7": Steel Nation hailing from Pittsburgh while Crucified call the Bay Area home. Both offer menacing metallic hardcore that is not to be passed over.
Steel Nation delivers two brand new tracks, their first since parting ways with their vocalist and having the remaining members share the vocals. In spite of the change in line-up the band still packs a mean punch. "Odysseus" is a blistering slab of hardcore that is influenced by the likes of Ringworm and Madball. The vocal trade-offs are outstanding and fit the music perfectly. "The Road to Hell" is 90's inspired hardcore at its best, and the breakdown/sing-along at the end is pure bliss to my ears.
Crucified follow-up their split release with No Truce with three new songs. "Welcome" picks up right where the band left off, drawing influence from metallic hardcore of the 90's - unleashing fierce riffs and a visceral vocal attack. "Clot" boasts thick and sludgy bass tones matched by the pounding drums and unforgiving guitar chugging. "I am Sin' closes out their side with the dark and broody hardcore sounds that bring to mind Integrity's Seasons in the Size of Days.
This split partners two of my favorite current hardcore bands onto one piece of wax. Needless to say, I was excited to get this in the mail. This is probably the best split I've heard since the Buried Alive / Reach the Sky 7".
