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06/11/25 | [dcraley]Review: Merked/Pillars - Split
I know I’m not alone in thinking that seven inch records are a tough sell these days. That has usually nothing to do with the contents. It’s based solely on the cost of a small slab of vinyl that has, in some cases, increased by 400% since I bought my first. It’s a real shame because it is still the preferred format for fast and aggressive music.
Furthermore, the short sides serve best for a split record of any genre. One brief opportunity for both bands to shine. Often a taste of each serves as an introduction to two new prospective rippers and that’s exactly what this collaboration between Merked and Pillars is.
Proudly representing Oakland, California, Merked presents three songs of self-described “sludge violence.” The custom genre tag really does hit the nail on the head regarding their sound. Combining equal parts sludge and powerviolence, the band smashes through their tracks in four minutes. In reality, it’s even faster than that as the first minute of opener “#Oakland #Smilin'whiledyin/Law of the Town” is an intro of ominous sound clips from their hometown.
The trio crush with a metallic and crusty fury that encompasses the thickness of sludge with the urgency of powerviolence. Interestingly, Merked throw in some tempo changes that make their assault feel more varied and unpredictable. Hardcore types might even find some familiar mosh friendly parts and top notch gang vocals. Still, expect more middle fingers than finger pointing.
Also a trio, Pillars hail from Cleveland, Ohio, and play a combination of crust, sludge, and punk. They offer up two tracks on their side that do not sound much alike. The first proverbial punch they throw is “Occupation,” a massive metallic stadium crust four minute anthem. Like any Clevo band, my ears will seek out any possible way to associate Integrity. The shredding solo at the three minute mark does enough to qualify, but it may be a stretch. It’s much more reasonable to reference genre headliner’s Tragedy in this case.
All of that goes out the window when second track “Piss Off” kicks in. Featuring Roadie Kat on vocals, the song scathes ear drums in an intense 44 seconds. There isn’t much of an intro or outro to it either. It’s like walking into a swarm of wasps and it kind of sucks. I’m not sure where it comes from or why it’s on the split because the rest of the band’s material does not sound like it. Odd choice.
Gotten Out By
Dan started Getting It Out back in 2018 as a stand alone podcast. He’s been writing for music websites for over a decade and finally decided to start his own. Now living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with his wife and kids, he briefly sang for Baltimore’s Pleasant Living.
