IENA/Scalpo – Split EP

Timebomb Records/Hellnation Records

 

When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing this all new, Italian split EP between IENA and Scalpo I obviously didn’t have to think twice. IENA instantly impressed with the band’s two previous releases, while up and coming outfit Scalpo definitely deserved some more ‘speaker time’ here at American Oi! HQ. So one plus one is two, or in this case – a review!

 

First up is IENA from Firenze. As said, the band impressed from the get go and especially their latest release – the “La Morte Chiama” 12” - was an absolute banger. But that release dates back to 2019 already (time flies), so surely it was time for something new! And although that something is just one new anthem - “Nero Terrore” - and a fantastic cover of Italian new-wave rockers Litfiba (“Luna”), it is all killer and an absolute must that definitely tastes like more! Let’s just hope that won’t take another three years next time around!

 

Up next is Scalpo from Sondrio. With its formation in 2020 this outfit is still relatively new and after some digital demo’s Mendeku Diskak decided to release the band’s latest work “È La Lotta L’Avvenire” as a flexi EP in 2021. So although this split isn’t the band’s first physical release, it is the band’s first release on actual vinyl and it rips! The formula is the same as on the A-side, so one original track (“Jomo Di Ferro”) and one cover (“Comunicato”, originally by Rough), and they rouse right through them! Nice!

 

Released by Timebomb Records and Hellnation Records, this split EP comes on either yellow-marbled (250 copies) or black wax (700 copies), included a two-sided lyric sheet and some killer artwork by visual artist Claudio Elias Scialabba! A must for fans of Italian Oi! and punk!