SHITFIT/HUMAN GREED - SPLIT

Along with Immoral Squad, Inertia Kills, Dahmer, General Fools and Seized, Human Greed and Shitfit were heavyweights from Quebec's early 90's scene. I caught Human Greed live in '94 with Ulcer, Dropdead and Immoral Squad. They were incredible! Hovering somewhere between Scum era Napalm Death and early Discharge, they offered a crushing brand of low-tech grindcore delivered with superb desperation. The thirteen songs on their side of this split feature multiple vocals retching amidst raw and driving instrumentation. An onslaught apparently fueled by the band's vegan politics. Sadly, I never got to see Shitfit live. Fronted, by Max Of Tomorrow (hilarious!) who's throaty gargle sounds like a hybrid between Choke (from Slapshot) and a didgeridoo. The band plays mostly heavy, palm muted, crusty HC with a slight NYHC vibe thrown in now and then. Nothing new for the time, but totally awesome. The perfect platform for Max's helicopter yodel. I listened to this fucking thing enough to wear it out. Luckily, I finally found another copy. QCHC!

VILE INTENT - SHADOW OF THE SKULL 7"

Hailing from Toronto, Vile Intent are the absolute best of what currently feels like 10,000 Crossed Out cover bands (yes I have heard all of them). This 7" is pure Slap A Ham era powerviolence, but delivered with a freshness and vitality that separates it from mere nostalgia. These folks stand shoulder to shoulder with their predecessors and prove that there's more to mine in the genre. I can't help but wonder if the title isn't an homage to MITB. Vegan apocalypse!