The Complicators / Empire Down – Split EP

Pirates Press Records

 

Up next on Pirates Press Records is a double A-side split EP between two new, up and coming bands out of the States – The Complicators and Empire Down! Ready?

 

Up first is The Complicators out of the Bay Area. These guys debuted last year (2017) with a self-titled EP for Pirates Press Records, and despite that I own a copy – it kind of passed me by. Shame on me, because with “Too Old” and “Big Problems” this hybrid machine of streetpunk and hardcore delivers two vile scorchers that pack a punch! The latter has a little drumroll in the chorus that sounds a bit off to me, but for the rest I have no complaints, making me want to give that debut EP a second chance as a result.

 

On the flipside you’ll find, without a doubt one of my favorite new bands at the moment, Empire Down! Their debut EP for Oi! The Boat Records – “Bastards For The Butcher” – from earlier this year already ripped, but with their contribution to this split EP they are taking it to the next level! Both “True Believers” and “Always Down, Never Out” deliver a demolishing wall of sound, with manic lead-vocals, massive choruses and sick guitar riffs! Can’t wait to hear even more from these guys, so good!

 

Besides the powerful anthems, another thing that makes this release stand out is the packaging. Because besides your regular sleeve, it comes with a clear outer sleeve of thick plastic that has a silkscreened print on it, giving it a killer look! Now go out and get yourself a copy on black (500 pieces), white (250 pieces) or clear vinyl (250 pieces)!