If you were to simply look in the right places, 2022 has been an absolute win for those of us who enjoy splits for all that they can be. From the unions of Domkraft and Slomatics, Bog Wizard and Froglord, Breaths and Dimwind, the multiple chapters of “Turned to Stone” that we’ve been treated to, and many others, the excitement has refused to keep quiet for long in any form whatsoever. All we needed was one more exceptional effort to close the year out on, yet it was anyone’s guess who would deliver the spectacle. As if to answer that very call, both Gosudar and Malignant Altar have delivered a joint effort that certainly more than fits the bill.

Right away, any new material from the rising act of Gosudar is more than enough for me to whip my head around in interest with the past rumblings of Malignant Altar only further adding intrigue to the mix. Either band could’ve made a more than worthwhile EP on their own with what they bring to the table in this split, but when brought together there’s no way to deny the monolithic and undead power that is at play here in these four tracks. Two per act, any death metal fiend truly has their choice as to what they lose themselves in with this split. Whether you find yourself looking for some long-form death metal that is as eviscerating as it is singular in its vision then Gosudar knows precisely how to carry out such a performance with murderous passion, or should you desire a slightly more paced out yet no less than venomous creation that knows the value in the strategic pull back then Malignant Altar has got your number right from the very beginning. “Thundering domination” is the only proper term that can be used to summarize the very whole of this split from beginning to end with both Gosudar and Malignant Altar putting on what has to be some of their best performances yet here with their combined efforts making for an overall display of power that is simply not to be missed.

It would be so easy for any band of any given sound to come together, throw around some B-sides, call it a split, and ship it out for a supposed job well-done. That doesn’t cut it for some, though, and it’s clear that neither Gosudar nor Malignant Altar would be satisfied lest they delivered a performance that’s massive and of the sort that propels their own approaches forward as their skill increases. There isn’t a single shred of this split that is to be denied in any form with how overpowering and captivating it is right from the get-go with it being clearer than ever that these are two names that simply must be watched from here going forth.

“Gosudar / Malignant Altar” releases on December 16th via Rotted Life and Me Saco Un Ojo!

LISTEN to an advanced track from the split on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Gosudar on Facebook here.

Malignant Altar does not have any functioning social media that I could find, so please follow the band on their Bandcamp here to stay up-to-date on the band’s activities in the future.