SPLIT REVIEW: Whipstriker / Ice War

Forged in the depths of the underground, a new split has sprung forth from the darkness. Brazils Black-Speed Metal titans WHIPSTRIKER have joined forces with Canadian Heavy Metal soloist ICE WAR to present us with an assortment of diabolical treats. Out via Helldprod Records on April 20th.

First up, the legendary WHIPSTRIKER begin things with pounding drums and pure Heavy Metal riffs that deliver a storm of classic, anthemic savagery with no compromise. Blackened riffs soon join the mix with harmonious qualities that complement a thick bass presence, feeling like an extreme take on the likes of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head. Punching into a firestorm of blistering, thrashing insanity, the barbarian vocals and monstrous instrumentals bring so much heaviness in the most true and dedicated fashion with a passionate delivery that will quench any maniacs thirst for blasphemous Heavy Metal violence. The tracks are catchy, ferocious and full of variety while a consistently vicious energy does not falter. This is a perfect soundtrack to defiant Metalheads standing strong in the present day, offering so much beautifully old school insanity without feeling like a cheap knockoff or tribute, something Whipstriker have never ceased to do with utmost brilliance. These Brazilian stalwarts return on top form with 3 glorious new pieces to add to their magnificent discography.

Following suit, Canadian traditional Metaller ICE WAR take things even further back into the glory days of Metal with a pure onslaught of untamed NWOBHM / Speed Metal worship. Once more, we start with anthemic riffs that immediately harken back to a time that has certainly not been forgotten. Speeding into frenzy with upbeat drums and maniacal riffing as a cascade of vocals call us to arms with pure classic vibes throughout, these offerings from Ice War do not let the split down, though with a completely different sound to Whipstriker, the feeling is just right and the two bands complement each other with diverse yet fitting old school Heavy Metal mania that will keep anyone headbanging throughout. Ice War feels much more tight than ever before on this material with more grit to the vocals and a far more balls-to-the-wall instrumental attack.

A triumphant split offering 6 slices of pure Heavy Metal with plentiful speed and violence throughout. Whether you prefer more extremity in the vein of Whipstriker of classic catchiness from Ice War, both bands returns are excellent cuts that deserve to be blasted a high volumes by all real Metal lovers.