EP REVIEW: Split – Ungraven/Slomatics
What do you get when you combine two of the best heavy bands in the UK? The upcoming UNGRAVEN/SLOMATICS split, that’s what; a punishing six-track split, which batters the listener with the filth-ridden sounds of sludge and epic moments of doom.
Liverpudlian outfit UNGRAVEN are fronted by CONAN’s Jon Davis, a good sign for the three tracks that kick off proceedings. Defeat The Object opens with a minute and a half of solid riffs before Davis’ shouts echo through. Vocals are kept to a minimum while the band take part in the heaviest jam known to man, complete with a distorted beast of a breakdown and a whirlwind of electronics.
Onwards She Rides To A Certain Death has more gallop to it, clocking in at a spritely three minutes, but sacrifices none of the heaviness. Drums weave in between the riffs like rapid-fire thunderclaps, setting the stage for Blackened Gates Of Eternity, which throws hardcore time signatures around with abandon. With just over ten minutes of material, it’s all over too soon but those worried that Irish noise mongers SLOMATICS won’t be able to match them are sorely mistaken.
Kaän drags the pace back, with the crushing riffing we’ve come to expect from this trio. There’s a touch of the epic fantasy about SLOMATICS, with synthy, almost electrified folk melodies running through the centre of this track. Combined with the BLACK SABBATH-esque vocals, it’s as heavy as the first half of this split, but worlds apart in many ways. A minute into Proto Hag and SLOMATICS switch up the formula again. The vocals are clearer, the drumming more intense, while the guitar lines wrap around to hold the track together. Headbanging becomes mandatory, as the band twist and turn and subvert expectations.
Monitors is a complete change of pace, with a greater focus on melody. Marty proves himself to be one of the best metal vocalists around, guiding the track into progressive rock territory, without losing any of the bite that SLOMATICS are known for. It is a gorgeous end to the split.
With both bands at the top of their game, there was little doubt this split would be something special. There is something for any fan of doom in this UNGRAVEN/SLOMATICS split, regardless of the preferred subgenre, and should have people clamouring for more material.
Rating: 8/10
The UNGRAVEN/SLOMATICS split is out on the 5th March via Black Bow Records.
Like SLOMATICS on Facebook.
Like UNGRAVEN on Facebook.