Archagathus/Death Toll 80k split [2009]

This split, between the already legendary Canadian mincecore band Archagathus and the extremely competent Finnish death/grind band Death Toll 80k, shows quite how finely honed both have their respective crafts. At just eight minutes long, it passes by in a flash, but within those eight minutes, there are so many points at which the music does exactly the right thing (when you feel like you need a blastbeat, there's a blast, when it's a slower groovy part that's needed, that's included, and when an awesome Unholy Grave cover, well, Death Toll 80k take a crack at 'Confession'). Not an introductory record to grindcore, but certainly worthwhile for fans of the genre.

Sample (Archagathus - Dance Hall Derelict)

Download (Zippyshare)

Abraxis - Abraxis (2009)

Abraxis' self-titled record (pictured above, limited gold vinyl pressing, 50 pressed) is a potent mix of hardcore and metallic, doomy elements. Not a full-fledged sludge release, despite the addition of doom qualities. It features well-paced, thick riffs, staccato solos and fiery vocals. Coupled with elements of folk, noise and drone, Abraxis is recommended for fans of Fall of Efrafa and Momentum, and hell, even Swans for the spoken word passages.

Download (Mediafire)