GOSUDAR / MALIGNANT ALTAR "Split" LP

GOSUDAR / MALIGNANT ALTAR "Split" LP (Me Saco Un Ojo Records 2023)

Black Vinyl.

Two of Death Metal’s strongest forces will unleash a split of cataclysmic proportions. Russia’s Gosudar and American heavyweights Malignant Altar spew rotten filth in unison across four tracks. Doom, death and demolition is what this split is all about, so prepare to fester.

Gosudar are definitely one of the most exciting yet still obscure Death Metal bands around. Hailing from Russia, they blend ferocity and gloom to give a truly sepulchral and savage atmosphere. Opening the split with a 10 minute opus of drudging, crawling and slimy riff-craft blended to rotten perfection with meaty drumming and ghastly vocals, this is the kind of masterpiece you cannot miss if you call yourself a fan of Death Metal. The stomping force moves with restless progression that will entice and zombify with bludgeoning rhythms and putrified hooks while keeping all things old school as the main focus. Managing to remain atmospheric while totally barbaric and nasty, Gosudar do not mess around with their a-side of atrocious heaviness. Ichorous sludge will drown all who dare to delve into the depths of decay.

Malignant Altar have a similarly groovy nature, yet perhaps forgo some doomy moments for a more pulverising angle. Increasing the tempo with maniacal drumming and convulsive riffs, the vomitous drudge of this band is absolutely filthy while not being afraid to stampede between their odious rhythms. With a very different sound to Gosudar, this split harnesses two absolutely excellent bands strengths. Malignant Altar’s definitely lie in their ability to be both technical and loose, never feeling overproduced or mechanical. If you survived side a, side b will certainly finish you off! Closing the split on with a cover of a cult classic from Imprecation is the final nail in your coffin if you are a Death Metal manic. Three originals and a superb cover, all on a slab of wax shared by two underground titans. Absolute carnage!