UMUR
"The Gavel / Primal Code" is a split release between US, Illinois based death metal act Primal Code and US, Illinois based thrash/hardcore act The Gavel. The split was independently released in July 2023.
The Gavel opens the split with their two tracks "1000 Deaths" and "Frozen in Fear", which are both ultra heavy and brutal hardcore tinged thrash/death metal. The tracks feature a desperate mood and very aggressive and raw sounding vocalist in front. It´s music featuring brick heavy grooves and riffs, and it´s highly effective and definitely good quality music.
Primal Code are also featured with two tracks. Both "Angler" and "Ram" continue the heavy and brutal slow- to mid-paced old school death metal style of their 2022 demo and their 2023 EP. They can easily match the heaviness and brutality of The Gavel´s material, but they are not quite as aggressive and their grooves are a bit more conventional and straight.
The material of both artists is well produced and upon conclusion this is a good quality split release and it´s well worth the price of admission. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.