So here we have a split between two American bands, MISERY INDEX and COMMIT SUICIDE, recorded in 2002 and released by EARACHE in Europe in 2005. Each act contributes three songs respectively. Well then, let's go in order. The first two MISERY INDEX tracks are quite lively, groovy grindcore, at times strongly reminiscent of punk rock; the third track stands out somewhat from the bunch. Unlike the first two-minute compositions, it runs three and a half minutes, is considerably darker, and concludes with slow riffs. The vocals are more characteristic of hardcore — it's hard to even call it growling; it's a rough masculine roar, that's what it is. Not a single solo across all three songs, the drums periodically deliver blastbeats but not constantly. That's about it, really.
The second band, COMMIT SUICIDE, plays somewhat different music. First off, the sound is less precise, at times a bit dirty, and pummeling elements are present in greater quantity. The vocals are mixed rather poorly, making them hard to hear — it's growling, guttural in places. From a technical standpoint, there's really no comparison; this band is far more interesting than the first. The riffs are much more diverse, the drum patterns considerably more complex. The final track on the split runs over five minutes and is quite melodic compared to everything else presented on the disc; the song's finale even features something resembling a guitar solo. Categorizing these three songs as grindcore would be incorrect — elements of it are undeniably present, but overall this is brutal death with grind elements, quite decent, if not for the recording quality that renders the vocals, to put it mildly, not particularly audible.
Overall, a solid split from two stylistically completely different acts. Highly recommended for fans of the extreme American scene.