Split CD
Major Malfunction/Delusion of Terror/Take4 Collective
Jeff Karbow
This split CD features Pulling Teeth, one of the finest hardcore bands to come out in years (this you should already know!) and Bystorm who are from Manila, Philippines. Since most of you know of Pulling Teeth I will give you a bit background info on Bystorm. They have been around since 2004 and they love mid-to late 90's hardcore, which really shines through in their songs. They cite bands like Integrity, Ringworm, Pulling Teeth, Earthmover, and the Cro-Mags as influences; and all I have to say is hell fucking yes.
Bystorm contributes 11 songs to the split, which almost makes me wonder why they didn't just release a full length but hey if I had the chance to put out a split by one of my favorite bands I would've done the same. As you could probably already tell by reading the paragraph above these guys have a very metallic sound akin to the mid-late 90's. And of course there is going to be a big Integrity influence in the song writing. Overall, they do what they do well. Really, the biggest hindrance here is the recording. It isn't bad but they could've really benefitted from a slightly better recording especially on the drums. The snare has a really strange tone that just doesn't mesh well but aside from that everything else sounds pretty good though. They also get mad props for covering Earth Mover's "Money". They do the song justice and stick faithfully to the original version for the most part. And I always say it, but it always amazes me how bands overseas are able to pick the English language.
Pulling Teeth do not offer up any new material; what you get is their songs from their split 7" with UK's Frightener. The other two studio tracks found here are "Reprise" and "Ashes and Dust". The remaining 5 tracks on here are a full live set from WERS which includes the songs "Weeds", "Our Downfall", "Prepare For The Worst", "Rot Forgotten", "Bleeding To Death", "Territorial Pissings"(cover of Nirvana, from their album "Nevermind"), "Sand and Cells", "and "Outro".
The three parties involved with this release put together a nice layout. The booklet folds out into four panels which are covered in black and gold with various contrasted images and a dope looking skull placed next to both band logos. The flip side of the booklet is my favorite part of the layout; it features the lyrics for both bands with Bystorm on the top and Pulling Teeth on the bottom. I really liked how the skyline for each band was used as the borders. Very dope shit.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Bystorm's cover of "Money" and "Imortal" Pulling Teeth's "Stone Throwers" and "Sick and Tired"
Synopsis: This is worth purchasing for any hardcore Pulling Teeth fan, especially for the live cover of Nirvana's "Territorial Pissings". Bystorm was also a pleasant surprise, they were a lot better than what I was expecting. This may be a bit difficult to get for those in the United States, you would more than likely have to go through one of the labels because I don't see any distros carrying this. But I'm sure the diehard Pulling Teeth fans already have this in their possession.
As I always say, check out both bands and determine for yourself...like what you hear, buy it!
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