EP REVIEW: Split – Windhand/Satan’s Satyrs

The split EP featuring WINDHAND and SATAN’S SATYRS, includes two infectiously droning doom songs by WINDHAND, clocking in at just over 20 minutes of fuzzy dissonance, while also including some fast paced, hard hitting metal, with a splash of punk for good measure. Both hailing from Virginia, the two have come together to create this fantastic album, under the watchful gaze and mixing expertise of Garret Morris. The monstrous duo has brought with them their own trademark sounds without clashing, despite the opposing genres they find themselves in. The transition from doom/stoner metal, into punk metal isn’t as harsh as one might expect, in fact, it’s refreshing to progress from slow and rhythmic guitar, into fast paced heavy metal.

WINDHAND returned to the scene in 2015 with their third full-length album, Grief’s Infernal Flower, a thundering stoner doom mash-up, a highly anticipated project of that year. Back at it again with this split EP, WINDHAND have teamed up with SATAN’S SATYRS to bring us a new era of gloom, and an acid-tripping punk track or three, set to be one of the strongest EPs of the genre.

Beginning the album with a short song, well, short for doom at least, is Old Evil. A slightly faster paced song with a catchy and groovy bassline complemented by chunky riffs, with a smooth transition into a short-lived dissonant guitar lick. Straight back into the action as the vocals kick in, Dorthia Cottrell delivers some of the most pleasing vocals in doom, not dissimilar to those of Justin Oborn of ELECTRIC WIZARD, circa Come My Fanatics. Midway through the fuzz-fest, an eclectic and quite frankly beautiful guitar solo rings out, mixing up the pacing for a duration, stimulating the senses amidst the monotony of the riffs. The next track, Three Sisters, starts off with some background static, but not for long before sliding into a slow, rhythmic segment. The song is stunning, with not as much instrumentation for a large part of it, more so relying on the transcendent and ethereal vocals of Cottrell to guide ourselves through the calming void. The eeriness catches you off guard, but it is nevertheless relaxing to zone out to. After a somewhat lengthy period, the styling changes into a more dissonant and cacophonous ruckus, sending chills down your spine, before gently returning to the hauntingly familiar thematics of the previous section.

SATAN’S SATYRS are bringing with them their classic punk metal sound, as it has evolved since their inception but stayed true to their roots, from their Die Screaming LP, into their Don’t Deliver Us album, now reaching bigger heights and sharing the EP with WINDHAND.

Alucard AD 2018 leads the second half of the EP, with a high-speed and heavy hitting drum patterns, accompanied by a very classic sounding guitar riffage of the 80s. This however differs, as there is a definite punk influence, both in the vocal style and the somewhat anarchic and chaotic composition. Vocally, it is reminiscent of a bygone era, where punk stood for something concrete and intense. A slamming solo appears with intent. The intent to melt faces, and that’s exactly what it does, the progression is something to be applauded, as well as the mixing to get the sound just right. Next on the listing is Succubus, a slower and crunchy tune, akin to a punky BLACK SABBATH. The mixing up of timings and styles of riffs keeps the song fresh and interesting, however the only downfall of this, is that as you start really getting into a groove, it swaps up. The solo, much like on the previous track is a killer, while not as fast or technically impressive, it has the same impact and works extremely well for the tempo and theme of the song. Finally, is the strange and interesting Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby, a completely different twist on the album, entirely different to the rest of the songs on the EP. It is most definitely a punk song, more so than any of the songs, or even aspects. The vocals hark back to when punk was at it’s peak, lots of slurred words and clean breaks when necessary and a jaunty groove every now and then. It’s a song that is full of energy and character, more of a fun song than one to be taken seriously. Listening back on this a few times, you’ll have a smile the whole time. It picks up the pace a little at the halfway mark, before a blistering solo erupts from the core, sending shockwaves and squeals into the ether. Truly a magnificent solo, and a brilliant way to round off the album.

Overall, this EP has something great in store for a lot of people, with many tastes. The combination of both WINDHAND and SATAN’S SATYRS on it is something to be commended and a purchase that is sure to make you happy.

Rating: 9/10

The Split EP is out now via Relapse Records.

For more information on WINDHAND and SATAN’S SATYRS like their official pages on Facebook.