Two of death metal’s strongest forces unite for a split of cataclysmic proportions. Russia’s Gosudar and American heavyweights Malignant Altar spew rotten filth in unison across four tracks of doom, death, and total demolition. Gosudar remain one of the most exciting—and still relatively obscure—bands in the underground, blending ferocity and gloom to conjure a truly sepulchral atmosphere. Opening the split with a 10-minute opus of drudging, slimy riff-craft, meaty percussion, and ghastly vocals, their contribution is a masterclass in cavernous death metal. The track oozes with putrid hooks and bludgeoning rhythms, managing to be atmospheric without sacrificing its barbaric edge. Ichorous sludge seeps from every pore, ready to drown any soul brave enough to descend into its murk.
Malignant Altar follow with a similarly groovy yet more pulverizing approach. Forgoing some of Gosudar’s doomy tendencies, they up the intensity with maniacal drumming and convulsive riffing. Their side is steeped in vomitous filth, yet never feels overproduced—raw, loose, and devastating. Their technicality doesn’t hinder their savagery but enhances it, delivering chaos with surgical precision. And just when you think you've survived, they close the split with a crushing rendition of a cult classic by Imprecation—sealing the coffin shut.
Three originals and a killer cover, all pressed onto one slab of wax. Two underground titans. One unrelenting statement. Absolute carnage.
