Two of the most spiteful purveyors of contemporary d-beat join forces, contributing seven tracks apiece to this split album, Död Åt Tyranner (Death To Tyrants)

‘Permafrost shall wield, The new breed of terror, Prehistoric nightmare, Shall thrive on human error’ (The Terror Rises From The Grave)

Seattle’s Nighfeeder, who feature members of Consume and Deathraid, have been building a bleakly impressive body of work since their 2021 self-titled debut 7-inch.  Their contribution to this split is as brutal as you would anticipate.  The d-beat fuelled rhythm section injects a distinctive rock’n’roll swagger, but one that is absolutely saturated through with the darkly thrashing crust of the guitar onslaught.

Meanwhile the roared vocals confront a world mired in the degradation of both humanity and animals, together with our shared planet.  My personal highlight amid the carnage is Life’s Foul Pit.  The dissonant opening melody feeds into a truly venomous riff, which is in turn allowed the scope to fully breathe in the stunning groove laden, melody laced climax.

‘Education and healthcare, All up for sale, Keep the stockholders pleased, So that profit prevails’ (End All This Crap)

Verdict’s pedigree is equally impressive, reading as it does as a veritable who’s who of Swedish hardcore from Exploatör to Totalitär.  They take off from exactly where they left on their fiercely intense second full-length, 2023’s The Rat Race.  The emphasis is on blistering velocity and perpetually shifting d-beat rhythms, although the band are not averse to letting their natural sledgehammer groove lock-in amid the squalling solos.

Lyrically, the harshly rasping vocals take aim at the remorseless financialisaton and polarising echo chambers that are tearing apart our social fabric.  It is a potent blend and one that comes together with particular vehemence on the bruising I’m Not Built To Last and the chugging stomp of Narcissistic Piece Of Shit.