Review / 200 Words Or Less
Braindead / Blackbirds
Split

Burn Bridges (2007) Michael

Braindead / Blackbirds – Split cover artwork
Braindead / Blackbirds – Split — Burn Bridges, 2007

The split effort from Burn Bridges teams up two underrated bands that definitely deserve more attention. Pennsylvania's Braindead and Michigan's Blackbirds each deliver original songs as well as covering classic The Stooges songs.

Braindead offers up three originals of melodic hardcore that draw influence from the likes of Turning Point and Kid Dynamite. In between the two "songs" is an interlude track that highlights the band's unique take on hardcore, further allowing them to standout. The band tackles The Stooges' classic "Search and Destroy" and does quite a good job with it - props to covering such a classic tune.

Blackbirds opts to lead off with their cover, they take on The Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog." It's hard to judge their take on it if you've yet to hear "their" sound. But overall it's pretty good, a bit heavier than The Stooges but shows the influence of the legends on their sound. Blackbirds' two originals bear likeness to the work of bands like Tragedy and From Ashes Rise. It's a stark contrast to that of Braindead, but I dig it.

7.0 / 10Michael • July 6, 2008

Braindead / Blackbirds – Split cover artwork
Braindead / Blackbirds – Split — Burn Bridges, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Menace Ruine

The Color of the Grave Is Green
Union Finale Records (2025)

One of the most unique voices in extreme music, Menace Ruine stand out in their sonic evolution. The duo of Geneviève Beaulieu and Steve de la Moth started out in a raw, uncompromising fashion, merging black metal and industrial to create absolute havoc in Cult of Ruins and The Die is Cast. In the coming years, they would expand this … Read more

Extortionist

Stare Into The Seething Wounds
Unique Leader (2025)

With a band name like Extortionist, you instantly know they aren’t messing around. I’ve watched enough true crime documentaries to know when you’re going to get tangled up with someone you shouldn’t. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this band gives you exactly what you want and expect – raw, merciless and unforgiving music. Looking at the cover art and their … Read more

The Carolyn

Pyramid Scheme of Grief
59X, Disconnect/Disconnect (2025)

This is one of my "find" records of the year so far. I caught a few songs by The Carolyn at FEST 22 and that essentially put them on my radar, but a new record gets a band even more on my radar. But I've been struggling on how to describe The Carolyn. I'll start with "like The Lawrence Arms, … Read more