This is the first time I have ever heard either of these bands, and basically they uphold the "Czech metal" standard most notable in the band Avenger. Sorath in particular adheres to this mold with a competent blackend thrash jaunt of seven tracks. Lots of old-school kick/snare and double bass is featured beneath a clear yet suitably ugly guitar tone, topped off with razor-laden black metal vocals for a convincing final product. Sorath has just enough internal melody and hooks to create an effective snapshot of Black Metal circa the mid-90's. Unclean is a bit less interesting with muffled production and sludgy death metal riffs and vocals. They don't really pick up any speed through their half of the CD, and after about three songs I found that my mind was wandering. This doesn't count as an essential release, but the Sorath is agreeable and the cult aspect of this split might be appealing to collectors.

© 2000 w.s. diabolus