BLOODTHIRST/EXCIDIUM

A salty split this one. Two blackened thrashers from Poland — BLOODTHIRST and EXCIDIUM — on one 40-minute CD called "Infernal Thrashing Kömmandments" which makes for one greasy 'n bullet-belted listening session. There is in no uncertain terms even an ounce of fanciness contained herein. It is every bit the neck-slasher and a fine introduction to two grizzly Polish thrash mongers.

You may recall BLOODTHIRST from the "Let Him Die" full-length on Poland's Pagan Records, a beastly blasphemer of an album that I rated an 8/10 on this very site. BLOODTHIRST continues its vicious assault with five tracks — one "Intro", two new cuts ("Assassination is Absolute" and "Of Bestiality in our Veins") and two covers (VENOM's "1000 Days in Sodom" and MORBID ANGEL's "Immortal Rites"). The newbies continue in the same amplified vein as what was heard on "Let Him Die", all gritty, raspy, and cutting with sharp riffs. Both tracks are on par with what was heard on the preceding release; nothing more, nothing less. The band's thrash injected covers are effective. "1000 Days in Sodom" in particular is belted out with an extra dose of aggression, a seeming indication of BLOODTHIRST's adoration of the UK stalwarts. The bass solo is far too light in the ass though, even a tad awkward.

To put it as directly as possible, EXCIDIUM knocked me flat on my ass. The general vibe of the filthy thrash performed is similar to BLOODTHIRST. EXCIDIUM just brings it harder, faster, and more recklessly. Vocalist "Cvntreaper" comes off like a blackened thrash Paul Di'Anno, his decidedly spiteful delivery as in-your-face as it gets, much like the guitars, bass, and drums that poke, jab, and slice with lethality. It is almost as if the remaining members are trying to out-muscle Cvntreaper. The unit moves like marauders through a sleeping village and still write tunes that sticks to ribs, as well as offering a cover of "Evil Invaders", originally performed by Canadian violence peddlers RAZOR.

The appropriately titled "Blackened Thrash Assassins" is the highlight and its lyrics sum up well the approach taken by both bands on this split: "From the darkest pits of hell we've come to thrash your fucking race / sounds of torment, war and pain speeding like a bullet bursting your head! / denim and leather, sodomy and gore / warriors of metal / IX circle and whores!" 'Nuff said.