Great split LP that deserves its place in any self-respecting crusty punk record collection! ASUNDER drops two heavy slabs of death/doom on your cranium and believe me, it hurts! Reminiscent of the greats like MY DYING BRIDE or PARADISE LOST and they are not afraid to take their time. “Tides of Ruin” crosses the ten-minute mark, but never feels overlong or boring. Nice mix of blackened crusty sludge from Texas metalpunks LIKE FLIES ON FLESH, who would have been right at home here in the Bay Area. I wish we could have heard more from them in the future, but this was their only recorded output. Whatever limitations you hear are excused by the recording methods—both ASUNDER and LIKE FLIES ON FLESH originally released these songs as demo tapes before mixing and mastering them for split LP preservation. ASUNDER forged on until 2009 with three more great releases—the monstrous A Clarion Call, a great split LP with GRAVES AT SEA, and ending with Works Will Come Undone. LIKE FLIES ON FLESH vocalist Jamie Myers has kept busy in the years since. She joined HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE circa 2003, releasing The August Engine and The Locust Years before guesting on WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM’s Diadem of 12 Stars album and their Malevolent Grain 12-inch. She now sings for occult rockers SABBATH ASSEMBLY.
ASUNDER guitarist Seth Baker and EXITWOUND vocalist Melanie Chevarria tied the knot and threw one helluva a show for their wedding reception. LIKE FLIES ON FLESH came back and ruled it again! I believe this was one of ASUNDER's first shows, if not their very first. How many of you have a copy of the ASUNDER/LIKE FLIES ON FLESH split LP? EXITWOUND called it quits shortly after this show because their drummer Ross was due to move to Belgium, in which he would form SKEW WHIFF with ex-members of HIATUS and UNHINGED. They would return a couple years later with new drummer Jon Stanley. I still can't believe a show this good took place at the fucking Stork Club.
