October first saw the release of the Duindwaler/Genocida split “Chaos” on 12” Zwaertgevegt vinyl. And the first thing I notice while holding the release in hand, that it feels and looks like one album, not just two releases on one medium. I really like the old school feel of it, and that is why you buy the physical release. To have something in hand, to look at and the “ritual” of putting the slab of vinyl on the record player and dropping the needle into the groove…
But before we get into the music to see if it is matching the artwork let’s look at the artists that are on it. Like said, a split, so two for price of one. First up “Duindwaler”.
Duindwaler is Daan Bleumink, a multi-instrumentalist also known from his work in (but not limited to) Hellevaerder, and is active with Duindwaler since 2021. Duindwaler plays “take no prisoners” fast aggressive black metal, showcased on the previous releases “Landloper”, “in het Heemskerks duin” and on the “verloren vertellingen” split with Hellevaerder, Schavot en Asgrauw. So let’s put this one on the turntable and find out what Daan has cooked up this time.
To be short, it does not disappoint. The Duindwaler side of “Chaos” comes at you like a pack of rabid dogs right out of the gate. A twenty minute barrage of steamrolling fast paced aggressive black metal, no cuts or pauses. It only ends because the needle reaches the end of the record.
It takes a second, third or more spin to hear the deeper layers of the music. And it really adds somethin to the music. Also a very clear production, so the instruments are all very audible, but without losing anything of the raw black metal sound.
You know there is another side on this record, but you really want to play this side over again.
But in this case we have to, the Genocida side still awaits.
Genocida is also a solo black metal project from the Netherlands consisting of FES (known from his work in Vazal), and have been around since 2014. Genocida plays a more old school 2nd wave black metal, and although I really like the music I was never a big fan of the singing style. But that is my opinion.
So let’s flip the record over and dive in to the Genocida side of “Chaos”
First thing noticeable is that the production and sound fits very well with Duindwaler side, and with that the music matches the artwork. Rather than two releases on the same medium, one release by two different artist. Very well executed.
Musically the Genocida side surprised me positively. The music is good, three songs in the signature old school sound of Genocida and even the singing was to my liking on this one. Like the Duindwaler side the sound is clear (in a black metalish way) and very good production.
On the Genocida side there is more room for mid-tempo passages and balances the steamroller side of Duindwaler on this split very well.
In short, Duindwaler/Genocida – Chaos is an outstanding split, this one is definitely making the end of year list. Great artwork, music and an overall feel.
Don’t sleep on this one, get it will you can. Only 100 copies on 12” vinyl on Zwaertgevegt.
Duindwaler side 90/100
Genocida side 80/100
Overall 85/100
Duindwaler:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram
Genocida:
Bandcamp
Zwaertgevegt:
Website
Facebook
Instagram