split

Long after contemporaries from the (under)celebrated Reservoir Records/NY HC scene of the mid-'90s had called it quits, Staten Island's Murdock plowed forward with a self-released CD and a limited run 7" EP. The band's two-song contribution to this split, however, marks its finest hour. "Tainted" and "Peace Off" represent some of Murdock's most crushing work with melodic and emotive hardcore dodging between post-hardcore and screamo's obsolete labeling. Rorschach, Milhouse and Deadguy might all well have been influences, but Murdock is its own voice. Sutek Conspiracy features yet-to-be members of Memento Mori, and offers three songs to this split 7". Technical, speedy metal riffs are balanced with the economy of hardcore's tight structure and cathartic, seemingly tortured vocals. Original illustration and design from the respected hand of Last Chance Illustration makes for impressive packaging.