Metal Underground.com

Split albums can be inherently evil. For one thing, they’re usually comprised of teaser tracks from a full-length that may or may not happen. If the tracks on the split blow your mind, you want more of them. If they suck, well, what does that mean if they release a full-length? Another thing is that if one band’s contribution isn’t up to par with the others, do you still add it to your collection? Well, fear not doom fans, the Windhand/Satan’s Satyrs split is a more than solid offering from both these bands.

On the Windhand portion of the split, it’s business as usual. If you’ve never listened to them, the best single word to describe them is “Haunting.” Dorthia Cottrell is one of the most underappreciated doom vocalists in existence and without good reason. She’s the metal version of Janis Joplin. As per all of Windhand’s recordings, the fuzz is so syrupy, it drives the production to a point where the bass and drums are almost an afterthought. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but they obviously have a working formula and they’ve stuck to it with much success. Both of these Windhand tracks alone are worth owning this split.

Satan’s Satyrs have grown up since the last time I’ve listened to them…somewhat that is. I really dig “Succubus.” The production is a little more aggressive from what I’m used to hearing from them and Clayton Burgess’ vocals aren’t as annoying as their previous efforts. So, I have to admit that I made it 30 seconds into their second track, “Ain't That Lovin' You, Baby,” before I had to skip through to Windhand’s “Old Evil” to get rid of the bad taste in my ears.

So, to wrap things up, should you get this split? Yesssssss. Even though Satan Satyr’s might not be everyone’s cup o’ doom, the totality of doomage via the Windhand side is worthy enough for your 2018 collection.