Vulvodynia and Acrania team up on brutal new split EP, 'Societal Lobotomisation' (Review)

Two of metal’s most well known acts Vulvodynia and Acrania have collided to give us a brutal split EP titled “Societal Lobotomisation”, and we’re here to give you our impression on this incredibly heavy collection of tracks. The EP is set to unleash January 29th, 2021. The split was first announced through a marketing tactic between the bands going at each other. Some thought it was real, others knew better as the two bands have always been pretty close. The split EP is 4 tracks of crushing metal that define each bands fundamental sound, but at the same time connecting in terms of quality, flow, and styling.

Let’s get this review on the road by first tackling Vulvodynia’s contributions to the split. Vulvodynia’s two tracks are respectively titled “The Disconnect”, and “Aborning Pestilence”. Vulvodynia delivers their signature crushing slamming brutal death metal styling and execution. Duncan’s signature vocals appear to be as monstrous as ever. The guitar work presented throughout the EP is still standing tall on the technical aspect, even taking it up a notch in my opinion. Vulvodynia has already released “The Disconnect” to a warming fan reception. The intro to “The Disconnect” is really one of my favorites of any song in recent memory. The maniacal laugh was very well done. The song is complimented by a vicious rhythmic groove that is built on throughout the track. The other track “Aborning Pestilence” is a rollercoaster in all the best ways possible. The track evolves throughout utilizing multiple unique transitions, and it’s done very well. The song highlights Vulvodynia’s strongest aspects all into one. The song features unearthly heavy section, guitar solo that doesn’t seem out of place, and while it’s a rollercoaster it holds song structure very well. Vulvodynia really brought their A-game for these two tracks, and it truly highlights how versatile the extreme metal juggernauts are musically.

It’s time to move on to the other heavyweight band on this unholy EP, Acrania. Acrania made massive waves and imprinted themselves in extreme metal circles with their debut album – which contained a track that is to this day, still used for meme content in the metal community. The band’s last release was three years ago, in 2018. We’re pretty excited to see the band has returned to release new music, with Vulvodynia at that. Acrania has two songs on the EP as well. The title of those songs are “Guillotine Necktie”, and “Legions of the Unenlightened”. Acrania kicks off the EP with their track “Guillotine Necktie” and immediately show their roots with their signature pig squeals. Acrania really showcases their progression as a whole since the release of their last EP in 2018. The band doesn’t slow down or let the momentum in their tracks fade down even in little bit. Acrania presents their ungodly speed that has cemented them in the music scene throughout both tracks with fluid like transitions and impeccable vocal patterns. The second track contributed by Acrania, “Legions of the Unenlightened” is a missile in the form of a audio file. Right from the kick off the song kicks it into overdrive with the speed and complimenting vocal patterns, executed with precision. This song, however, build into a crushing breakdown that fans are bound to love.

Overall this EP is very impressive, highlighting both Vulvodynia’s and Acrania’s strongest elements, and we recommend this record as it shows some of the heaviest elites showcasing their top quality talents.