One of the latest from Eulogy Recordings is this killer split CD between Florida's Toetag and the mighty Shattered Realm from New Jersey. Toetag features former members of Until the End, Morning Again, Remembering Never, and Glasseater, and while I had never heard the band prior to this, as I expected they get things started with three tracks of straightforward metallic hardcore: Burly vocals, in your face lyrics, chunky power chord rhythms and breakdowns... you know the drill. Nothing fancy, and that's totally fine. If it ain't broke, don't fuckin' fix it! Shattered Realm then follows with four tracks of their own take on said style, which is more metallic and diverse in terms of utilizing a great sense of tactful groove amidst the churning metal-based riffs and a little more vocal variation thanks to plenty of backups and a handful of guest spots—the latter of which mostly pop up in the band's closing cover of Fury of Five's "Every Man for Himself", which is obviously a massive fucking highlight here. Awesome. What more do you need to know!? No complaints here. If you're a fan of this style, I see no reason why you wouldn't be into this shit.
Toetag "Only Yourself to Blame"
Shattered Realm "Fight to Win"
At the moment this one's available from the label for $5 on CD or as mp3's, so... get to it if you like what you hear, people.
Comments
Toetag didn’t really impress me on this split, but Shattered Realm brings up what expected. Both new tracks are really good, i think sounds could bit louder, while i dig ‘em still. Fury cover tops it all, i hope that SR would be putting out a new cd or any kinda release soon again.
1.21.2009 | By Markus X KTL