Bottomfed/West Berlin Split EP:Blackened Angel, West Berlin(EP Review)
Bottomfed is a three piece hardcore/metal band who’s been making music for a few years now. I first got wind of them in 2015 with their EP Impatient Pile Of Bones. It was a hard hitting EP that showed a lot of passion potential for the young band, so I implore you to give that a listen if you’re looking for a hardcore band. The trio is on one-half of this two track EP with the emotional track Blackened Angel. It’s a blistering track that features rapid drumming, fast paced guitars with low-end bass. The vocals are a mix of throaty cleans and deep growls. The songs actually addressing the harshness of a sudden loss and dealing with grief but honoring and never stopping your love for that person. “Death won’t save you from my love” is the last and most poignant lyric on the track, a sentiment most of us who’ve experienced the loss of a loved.
West Berlin’s a five piece melodic hardcore band out of Syracuse, and their self-titled track on the EP is my introduction to them. The track is as hard hitting as Bottomfed’s, but I’d it’s a bit shorter and catchier musically. Each chord comes in with impact on this one, but there’s also some higher tones in their creating an interesting dynamic. The track is based on that initial taste of failing as an adult with no one to blame but yourself. I’ve definitely been there, so it’s a relatable record.
Overall you can’t go wrong with this split. Bottomfed delivers a heartfelt track that’s as visceral as it is emotional. West Berlin’s record is also impressive in that it feels like there’s a lot of dynamic to it in a rather short period of time. Two great tracks by bands worth checking out.
“Blackened Angel” Rating: 8.5/10
“West Berlin” Rating: 8.0/10
By: Patrick Griffin II
super nice review from @patricksmusicblog!
















