Review: “Self Titled” by Splinter

Even now, in 2024 there are a few far flung corners of the globe where Metal isn’t perhaps the first language of musicians and despite heavyweights like Demonic Resurrection, Gutslit and Skyharbor making there presence felt on the international scene, India remains one of those places. What’s interesting though is that the bands who have emerged seem to have an older sound, inspired by older and perhaps more mainstream bands. Records by Slayer and Judas Priest rather than Suicide Silence or Machine Head doing the influencing…

Indian Thrash Metal overlords Splinter waste absolutely no time on their self titled debut EP, presenting four cuts over 19 minutes and 19 seconds to keep the superstitious amongst us on our toes. The whammy bar laden introduction tells you all you need to know before “Weapon X” flies like a demon across the night sky. While sonically paying homage to the 80’s golden era of the genre with that fast and loose as of recorded live on the floor Megadeth style to it, vocally it’s a spitting, snarling performance from Nilabja Banerjee that feels like it belongs Death Metal. There are even riffs that hint at idle Slayer worship. There is a demo like quality to the opening cut which is lost by the time “Toxic Death” unfurls it’s wings; a shame in that some of the nostalgic charm is lost but the mix is better with the vocals more prominent. That does the bands work more justice, although what their intention is with a second haunting melodic instrumental passage in two songs you’d have to ask them. There is certainly a case to argue that fat could be trimmed to make both leaner and meaner. On its own, this is otherwise a solid slab of Death Thrash, the shrill vocals tearing at your heals like satan’s hell hounds. By the time “Eldritch Evil” hits, this record is begging for Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust fame to get involved with the project, a few tweaks from him could easily elevate this offering and do his reputation no end of good. A restless and relentless sonic assault on the senses, it’s a sweat fest of a headbangers delight from the start, the eclectic solo adding a little spice before a slower, more menacing passage cleaves flesh from bone. If you’re looking for the psycho serial killer in the low budget slasher film, then Splinter have got blood on their hands despite a cast iron alibi. Howling at the moon, the classic rampage of “Kill The Parasite” makes for an anthemic finale to this record, the improved extended soloing giving it a real killer instinct. Dust off your denim jacket, there is a new patch to be sewn on because this nostalgia trip will take you where you need to be [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Weapon X
2. Toxic Death
3. Eldritch Evil
4. Kill The Parasite

“Self Titled” by Splinter was released on 15th March 2024 and is available over at bandcamp.