I admit I’m no expert when it comes to crossover thrash, but I do have one very simple test for whether or not I like a band or record: Can I picture some gnarly-ass skaters ripping up a concrete bowl to it? If the answer is “no,” move along. But if the answer is “yes,” then let’s tap a keg and get fucking rad.
Let’s break down the two sides of this split LP.
Blunt Force Trauma (Austin, Texas)
Q: Can I picture some gnarly-ass skaters ripping up a concrete bowl to it?
A: Fuck yes. Fans of modern and old-school thrash should find a lot to grab onto here. It’s fast as hell, political, chuggy where it needs to be, and relenting everywhere else. The covers of Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and D.R.I. are a nice touch too.
Bombnation (Québec)
Q: Can I picture some gnarly-ass skaters ripping up a concrete bowl to it?
A: Absolutely. Somehow this might be even more skatable than the Blunt Force Trauma side. Bombnation has a handful of Slayer-type moments (a good thing), giving it a more rounded sound than their pals on the other side of the record, which, for me, edges it ever-so slightly in their favor – if I were forced to choose a winner, that is.
Now, go tap that keg.
Listen to the Blunt Force Trauma side
James is a writer, skateboarder, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.