Usually split records are a hit or miss situation. Some people do not like them. They want individual records and that’s it. But on the other hand, it can also be a good way to get more music for a good price. If the bands put together are in the same “line” to say it, it might turn into a good experience. This 3-way split starts with CURSE, one of the many artists using that name, a band or project started in Iceland but that nowadays is located in Norway. CURSE plays a very DARKTHRONE – ish style of Metal, but here I am referring to the more recent releases: yes, metallic, with melody in there, with a punkish attitude and with a good dose of Speed / Thrash found in there. It has the right production values and is quite enjoyable, and definitely one band that if you like the last releases form Nocturno Culto and co. there is no reason why one cannot enjoy this. A great song is ‘War Of One’ with a very moody setting melody and riffs, but still with that chilling Black Metal aura. The MOTÖRHEAD cover was something that goes well along their own music and it is done very, very good I might add even up to the vocals. I like this band! Next is the Swedish horde of STYGGELSE and guess what? Yes, they are in a very similar vein to CURSE and that means to newer DARKTHRONE! And they also play very good, with very metallic riffs, and they shine playing mid tempo or fast, you cannot help but to move your head back and forth! Of course, that also means a big MOTÖRHEAD, VENOM and old BATHORY influence. Then to end this it is Swedish WAN. Although it is supposed to be in a similar style, I find them to be more raw, crude and lacking those “catchy” riffs the other two bands have. Maybe it is due to the quite noisy production. They do sound more like a Brazilian band with references to old SARCOFAGO or old SEPULTURA with some riffs reminding of early KREATOR or POSSESSED. Maybe a better production would have helped these guys, as they surely have some good riffs here and there. All these bands have already albums out so I find this split to be a good way to check them out. I am already looking for more from them! More band information you will find at: www.facebook.com/cursefaen, www.facebook.com/pages/styggelse/10469669108, www.facebook.com/theunholywan, label contact: www.satanath.com