Noxious Ruin, a small, independent American label from Detroit, has added a very interesting split release of two European bands to its catalog in March 2024 – BARREN (Belgium) and VOMIT SPELL (Germany).
The release features a total of ten songs divided in a 60:40 ratio in favor of BARREN. This ratio also roughly reflects the quality of the material. But let’s start from the beginning.
BARREN has featured a total of six songs on the split and makes a stronger impression out of the two bands presented on the release. With an unmistakable European sound, the Belgians emit an admirable amount of energy through their six songs in well-measured doses, as none of the songs are too short or too long. The sound is excellent, both individually for the instruments and overall. The mix is great, raw but very well done and in line with the band’s character. Musically, there is nothing spectacularly original, but everything is very effective and contributes to the impression that BARREN is a strong and uncompromising killing machine.
Unlike BARREN, VOMIT SPELL doesn’t sound as effective in this setup. Whether it’s because of the order on the split we first listened to the killer BARREN or if it’s something else entirely, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the working temperature slightly drops when we transition to the VOMIT SPELL’s part of the release. There are certainly great moments, like the central doom part in their first song “Demonica,” but there is definitely a problem in keeping the listener actively engaged. When it comes to energy, it’s not lacking and it’s all up to standards, but VOMIT SPELL doesn’t go any further than that.
All in all, it’s an interesting split, with lots of energy and good moments, although the burden of quality is on BARREN’s shoulders, while VOMIT SPELL occasionally raises their head from the average and shines. Regardless, the release certainly deserves the attention of fans of both bands and serves its purpose well, which is to acquaint us a bit better with these two bands before they come out with full-length releases.
by JIMI
