Both of these
bands are veterans of the scene and need little to no introduction.
Hemdale have been killing the Grind scene for the last 25 years, and
Fistula have been hitting hard with filthy Sludge for 20 years. So
you can definitely expect this 7” to pack a punch. Each band has a
piece of art representing their side of the split so let’s talk
about the filthy details. Fistula’s artwork depicts the rotting
corpse of a man on a toilet. He clearly took his own life as you can
see a goodbye note and a bottle of pills on the counter next to him.
Now for the Hemdale side of the cover, it depicts a Skeleton or
possibly the reaper caressing a heart shaped photo of Miley Cyrus.
What an odd choice for a cover. But, enough of that, let’s get onto
why we are all really here. The noise! First up is Fistula with Whore
Cancer, and they waste no time. There’s a sample playing in the
background with the instruments coming in full force. Once the sample
closes we are immediately assaulted with some of the most Inhuman
vocals I’ve personally ever heard. Dan Harrington is a master of
his craft, his screams here can make the blood go cold and send a
chill up your spine. Everything about this song reeks of the perfect
Sludge sound. Big riffs, thundering drums, soul crushing bass lines
and of course those nasty vocals. And now, we have Hemdale ready to
slather things in blast laden Grinding goodness. They waste 0 time
with this song as they come in ripping everything in sight to shreds.
Blistering fast drums, a whirlwind bass and guitar riffs and vocals
that sound like the Cookie Monster on steroids. There is a reason
Hemdale are both revered and simultaneously feared by many. Sadly,
this is a rather short 7”, I’d have enjoyed at least 1 more song
from each band. But, all in all it is a perfect representation of
Ohio’s Nastiest Noise makers.
review by Shawn Peck
