Harpoon/Locrian - Split 7"

This is one of those reviews where I have to point out that I'm biased. I know both Harpoon and Locrian, and they're all nice guys.
Having said that, they also, fortunately, make awesome music, so it works out for me as a reviewer.
This new split 7" on He Who Corrupts Inc. picks up for Harpoon where their full length left off. Say what you want about drum machines in metal, Harpoon know how to shred. Some people complained that the drum machine on the full length sounded a little too... drum machiney. I would kind of agree with that. It was a little digital sounding. Whatever it was, though, they've dialed it back for this 7". This is the best Harpoon has ever sounded on record. Their side sounds great.
The song, "To The Tall Trees," is some of Harpoon's best work. If you haven't heard Harpoon, they sound like a mix between 90s powerviolence and 21st century crustcore, with the knobs turned up to 11 and ripped off. This song is as good as anything on the full length, and better than a lot of it. The shredding is in prime form for the first half of the song, and when it descends into a kind of chaotic and heavy fade out, it kicks you square in the gut.
The Locrian side is NOT the usual kind of thing you'd expect from them. As opposed to the usual ambient/noise drones they're known for, this song is actually more like a really good raw, ambient black metal song. As far as Locrian goes, it's about as structured as they get. It's also a REALLY good song. In fact, it kind of makes me hope Locrian incorporate more of this kind of thing into their sound. They've always been noisy and raw and all, but man does this song represent a quantum leap for them. If you're into stuff like Velvet Cacoon or Amesoeurs this song will probably be right up your alley. Apparently, one of the guys from Velnias played on this song, which makes sense, as it kind of has a Velnias vibe, too.
I should also add that this is some really well done packaging. You can't tell from the picture, but the cover is this kind of beautiful, embossed deal, and it comes with a real nice full color insert. The record also comes with a digital download coupon for the songs on the record and one extra song by each band. Highly recommended.
You can take a listen to both songs on the 7" here, check out Harpoon here, and check out Locrian here.
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login or register to post comments Submitted by herry on Fri, 2010-07-30 11:34.