(((O))) Review: VVOVNDS and Soul Grip – Split EP

Split records are always a game of two halves; it’s in the nature of the game, but this is one of the more interesting cases I’ve seen. The record is comprised of three songs by two Belgian bands – Soul Grip, who trade in a blend of post-metal, black metal and hardcore, and VVOVNDS (sometimes / more sensibly known as WOUNDS), that mine a darker brand of punk fuelled bleak hardcore in the vein of Converge at their most aggressive.

VVOVNDS mix this formula up straight off the bat on Side A of this record by partnering with noise artist Svartvit to add a touch of experimentation to the 14 minute long ‘On a Noose’. This leads to a minimalist electronic introduction that breeds a palpable feeling of dread, with an almost industrial feel; the muted sounds of chains mixed over a low electronic hum, with a quote from what sounds like a serial killer, before a lone guitar appears at about the 4 minute mark, and the song starts properly. ‘On a Noose’ demonstrates far more of a slow burn post-metal sound – this single guitar build feels similar in tone to something Amenra would deliver, with Svartvit adding subtle extra layers of sound. Sadly, VVOVNDS don’t quite capitalise on the build-up, and when the remainder of the guitars, bass, percussion and vocals are added to the mix it sounds powerful, but doesn’t possess the sheer grand scale that Amenra demonstrate when at their best. That said, the intensity is still ratcheted up, the rhythm is relentless and the harsh vocals add to this tension admirably.

The mid-section of the song is another very effective build – this smacks the ‘post’ element of post-metal squarely between the eyes and sounds great, with interesting guitar sounds and atmospherics lending a genuine sense of malice. What is wonderful is that this then appears to pay-off into a big section, but actually it’s just continuing the build, the intensity growing as the riff continues to chug mercilessly in the background and the vocals become increasingly harsh, aided by increasing levels of distortion, such that they cease to be vocals and move into the territory of abrasive sound. Layers of sound, including feedback and lead guitar parts are added, creating a natural, apocalyptic crescendo and a sudden stop. It’s a punishing and oppressive experience, and is remarkably accomplished for a band working outside of their comfort zone.

The B-side of the split (I may be listening on MP3, but the sides are still presented as ‘A’ and ‘B’, which the vinyl fetishist in me quite likes) presents another evolution in sound – Soul Grip have moved on from the great but slightly one dimensional sludge-y metal from their debut album Avadon – the step up in maturity in their song-writing in the intervening three years is marked by the successful integration of full blown black metal into their sound – this is something that felt a little ‘tacked on’ for their last release. I nearly applauded when the mid-section of ‘Abigor’ exploded into a full black metal fury, all blast-beats, razor sharp guitars and harsh vocals. It’s beautifully executed, and only really topped by the surprisingly melodic ending to the song, taking the best elements of both post and black metal together, to create a surprisingly melodic ending to a song that had been a pretty relentless assault from the midpoint on. ‘Dwaler’ follows this up with an introduction that sounds like something Converge could have put out on The Dusk In Us before morphing into a mid-paced sludge sound and then smashing us in the head with blisteringly fast black metal. It’s a well crafted song that flows in a way that feels natural and does not at any point relent – it feels a lot shorter than the five and a half minute run time.

Closer ‘Raudur’ smashes out the black metal straight out of the gate, dropping to a riffy mid-pace for the chorus, but the star of the show is the mid-section of the song, dropping to a quiet semi acoustic clean section that feels oppressive and moody, complete with whispered quiet vocals – this runs for long enough for the listener to get accustomed before smashing back into blast beats for a short section – it’s using the same of rules of dynamics we’ve heard before, but that doesn’t stop it from being effective. Acoustic sounds round out the song, and a particularly savage side from Soul Grip.

Being familiar with both VVOVNDS and Soul Grip, this has been a fascinating split to review, just seeing the sheer level of change that the two bands have undergone. Soul Grip have taken on a new level of vicious extremity with the seamless integration of a very proficient take on black metal and have demonstrated a leap in maturity in their songwriting. VVOVNDS transformation is all the more spectacular, with the crusty blackened hardcore of their last few releases passed over for an oppressive take on Amenra style atmospheric riffy post-metal, complete with layered atmospheric electronica. The two sides together have very different but complimentary feels – Soul Grip bringing an aggression, precision and vitality to their side, along with a surprisingly clean production, VVOVNDS feeling looser and more progressive, but creating an oppressively heavy atmosphere that is remarkably effective.

Both bands have taken chances, and both have paid off. The three Soul Grip tracks have given me a real appetite to check out their second full-length, which is due later this year. I really hope VVOVNDS continue in this direction – they have delivered a really interesting sound and the collaboration with Svartvit is a resounding success. A full-length collaboration would be really interesting, judging by the taster on display here. In that regard the split EP has done exactly as it was designed to – left this listener wanting more.