Regulator! Records is a new label in Portugal, and their first release is an impressive split CD between two great Portuguese hardcore bands: Zootic and Sannyasin. Zootic starts things off with four tracks offering a cool mix of hardcore/punk sounds that combines a midpaced melodic side that has some DC-ish tendencies and a slightly faster and more energetic side that still maintains a certain element of dissonance to the riffing. The recording has a nice balance to its aptly rugged atmosphere, and lyrically the band uses both English and Portuguese to express a relatively positive and hopeful message that has a slight socio-political slant. Overall they're a pretty unique sounding outfit and I really dig the vibe of their work. Sannyasin follows with five tracks of shorter and more hardcore-oriented material that still has the punchy melodic energy and catchiness that I love, and when you couple that with a similarly crisp recording that still has a fitting air of roughness you're in for a definite set of winners. The lyrics are all in English and carry a similar message to Zootic's tracks in terms of searching for the most out of life and trying to maintain a sense of hope and whatnot. Great stuff. I'd love to hear more.

Zootic "Ciclo"
Sannyasin "Nailwork"

This is a damn solid debut for this label, and the bands pair together extremely well. Get in touch with the label for ordering information and look out for more from these two acts in the future:

@ Regulator! Records

Another quick split comes from Kordova Milk Bar Records, who recently released a CD from Fight Amputation (New Jersey) and Exosus (Maryland). Fight Amputation starts things off with three well recorded tracks that are a little fiercer than their last EP, pulsing along with a crunchy brand of hardcore/punk with plenty of twisted dissonant riffs and just the right amount of metal to pad things out without losing its true roots. These guys are still leaving me hungry for a full-length, too! I'm tired of only getting to experience the band two to four songs at a time! Upon first impressions I wasn't that into the Exosus tracks for some reason, probably because a few of the riffs have that melodic Swedish tinge, and I just don't want to hear that stuff sometimes, but with time I'm actually digging their two tunes as well. The scathing vocals are pissed as fuck and the writing has a good sense of rocked out flow, and I have to admit, the Swedish sounding riffs are really good for what they are. Plus, their closer, "Four Riders", is much darker and more punishing in terms of a driving metallic crust kind of vibe, and you can't complain about that!

Fight Amputation "Half a Holiday"
Exosus "Four Horses"

As is often the case, the above are not my favorite tracks on this split, but it's so brief that I don't want to give away any more than what the label's using. This is another damn solid little split release, so show your support and pick it up if you're a fan. It's only $6 or $7:

@ Interpunk
@ Kordova Milk Bar Records