Converge / Dropdead - Split EP

There's a sticker on the front of this saying that it's "A split 7" EP celebrating a 20 year history". Crazy to think that both these bands have been going so long! It's making me feel pretty fucking old. This 7" is totally sweet, though. It's on red and black marbled clear vinyl and there's one brand new cut from each band. On the Converge side we've got 'Runaway', which is their usual brand of discordant, pummelling metalcore. They seem to have decreased the hate in recent years and it doesn't have the searing power of the likes of their classic Jane Doe LP, but I guess as you start to rake in the money it's hard to stay so furious, isn't it? In terms of their previous releases I'd say it's closest to the rock'n'roll-edged straight hardcore of 'You Fail Me'; if you were into that one I'm certain you'll get a kick out of this song. It's a bit tough guy in places, and at one point even reminded me of Sick of it All (in a good way). Flip it and the Dropdead track 'Paths of Glory' is totally raging, but in a more old school crusty d-beat hardcore way. Both the songs are blazing, there's no atmospheric Neurosis-style bits or any of that shit, just straight up aggression with heavy as fuck production. Ace.