At first I found it quite amazing that after yours truly reviewed Pin Drop Violence’s “Right 2 Riot” album that anything major would come of it, but then I got word from HardRockHouse Towers that several split CDs had been sent over from India after the review had gone up onto the site. Happily I obliged to review a few and am glad I did as the Indian extreme metal is second to none!

First up on “Defaced & Split” is “In Sickness And In Health” by Exhumation from their “For Personal Consumption Only” EP. The track itself is more of an intro for the onslaught of metal mayhem that is “Tandoori Chick” which is reminiscent of Morbid Angel and Hate Eternal. “On The Platter” is ever so slightly more melodic sounding more like Midian era Cradle Of Filth meets Gorgoroth. “The House I Built” is just extreme from start to finish, Exhumation clearly showing no remorse at all and diving straight into the death metal gene pool. “Bloodletting” sounds more atmospheric like Primordial meets early Dimmu Borgir or instrumental Nightwish, quite interesting indeed. 

Narsil are much more technical and have gone for more of a gore grind approach similar to that of Cannibal Corpse, Gorerotted and Waking The Cadaver, with inhales and pig squeals to boot. Surprisingly Narsil go in for much more guitar work than that of their influences, which adds something more unique to their sound and makes them one of the standout bands on this CD. “Lugubrious” starts off with a solid guitar riff that then morphs into an aggressive, hate fuelled monster with some very impressive vocal techniques. The last couple of tracks add a Bolt Thrower style element to their sound with lyrical content becoming very military orientated. 

Warface are aiming for a much more progressive and epic sound similar to that of Nile, this is very clear on “Grovel”, with elongated guitar parts and the snarling vocals very similar to that of Karl Sanders. “Truth Of Suffering” has that typical Florida Death Metal sound but with a slightly different spin on it, there really is just something about Warface that’s hard to place your finger on. “Mask Of Battle” has military themes running through the lyrics but again lots of excellent guitar work. “The Hunted” has a constant rhythm throughout it and is possibly the first track you find yourself banging you head to. Warface are definitely worth keeping an eye on as they have the potential to progress into something huge. 

Reptilian Death have gone for the European technical death metal sound, very similar to that of Meshuggah and have added a few elements of groove metal bands like Pantera and Superjoint Ritual. “A Cranial Funeral” is absolutely amazing; “Grasp Of The Anaconda” is a real mixture of different metal. “Intestinal Feast” and “Bathed In Blood” are just signs of things to come from this band.

There are also two bonus tracks from Infinite Hate Project, which are good but a few more songs would have been better as it is lacking slightly, though the drum work on “Fuck The Sena Master” is pretty impressive.

Overall, if this is what the Indian extreme metal scene has to offer, India is looking like it could conquer the worlds hunger for death metal.

Let us know your views on Defaced & Split

Track Listing

(Artist) - (Release)

Exhumation - For Personal Consumption Only
In Sickness And In Health
Tandoori Chick
On The Platter
The House I Built
Bloodletting

Narsil - Carcinogenic
Carcinogenia
Lugubrious
Depletion Of Vital Forces
Prelude To Execution
Derelict Deranged

Warface - Demo
Grovel
Truth Of Suffering
Mask Of Battle
The Hunted

Reptilian Death - Intestinal Feast
A Cranial Funeral
Grasp Of The Anaconda
Intestinal Feast
Ghouls Of War
Bathed In Blood

Infinite Hate Project
Blast Of Hatred
Fuck The Sena Master