Release Date: February 27th 2026. Record Label: What’s Left Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl/Tape
Hibernaut / Face Pulp - Tracklisting
Hibernaut - Mark of Shame
Hibernaut - Intermundium
Hibernaut - Tongueless
Hibernaut - Bastardized Cultivation
Face Pulp - Ups and Downs and Crap
Face Pulp - Dicks, Pins, and Needles
Face Pulp - The One You Forgot
Face Pulp - I'll Need Proof of Humanity
Face Pulp - Stereotypical Paths
Face Pulp Members
Steve - Vocals
MT - Guitar
Landyn - Bass
Randy - Drums
Hibernaut Members
Dave Jones - Guitar, Vocals
Zach Hatsis - Drums
Josh Dupree - Bass
Matt Miller - Lead Guitar
Review
This split album featuring Doom/Stoner/Sludge Metallers HIBERNAUT and Grindcore/Punk/Sludge Metallers FACE PULP is an interesting record with both bands coming from different musical backgrounds though they compliment each other very well. I consider myself a fan of Hibernaut but Face Pulp are an entirely new band for me as I’m not really into the whole Grindcore scene now.
Hibernaut offer the “SLUDGE METAL / STONER METAL” side of the record taking influence from the likes of SLEEP, HIGH ON FIRE, MASTODON and NEUROSIS. Their side of the album is spread across four tracks running around twenty three minutes of great music. The band play to their strengths with stripped back production values that gives a raw sludgy atmosphere developing from the opening track Mark Of Shame which does have an early “NEUROSIS” influence especially with the vocals and how the music is aggressively played.
This style of sound is the dominant style of music that Hibernaut superbly delivers throughout their entire set with mighty slabs of Prog Metal forming within the standout tracks of Interundium and Bastardized Civilization. The band have written some pretty hard-hitting lyrics for this record especially when compared to their previous albums. Hibernaut take creative cues from HIGH ON FIRE and MASTODON especially when the music changes into a heavier THRASH style with echoes of THUGGISH Stoner Metal grooves finally showing up.
The band do experiment with their music by adding some cool sounding organs into the mix within Interunidum. The record changes into a Occult Doom Metal record for one of the best parts of Hibernaut’s set. Hibernaut once again prove what a great band they truly are with a highly unapologetic performance that leaves you wanting more.
As I stated previously, I haven’t listened to Face Pulp before and this is my first experience with them but truth be told, these guys are FUCKING AWESOME. I loved their side of the record so much. Face Pulp provides five tracks and within true Grind/Death/Hardcore Punk fashion, their side only lasts thirteen minutes.
Their style of Grind, Death. Sludge, and Hardcore Punk equals PURE FUCKING CARNAGE and VIOLENT BRUTALITY. There’s also some great rhythms and rocking melodies along the way especially on their tracks “Ups And Downs And Craps”, The One You Forgot and I’ll Need Proof Of Humanity.
Face Pulp live upto their “GRIND” and “DEATH METAL” influences in a huge way with big and brutal slamming riffs from the very start. Their music is the very definition of “MOSH PIT MUSIC”. As you can feel the intensity of their music being played at a very fast pace. It left me breathless at times. However, Face Pulp does slow the mood right down for a wicked Sludge Metal sound to fully emerge and take control in small doses.
Once Face Pulp’s set had finished, I needed a brief rest to collect my thoughts and question what I just listened to. I mean that as a huge complement. The production values are solid with Face Pulp having a raw aesthetic and violent energy that perfectly matches Hibernaut’s side of the split.
This is a great album featuring two amazing bands from different sides of the musical spectrum that should expand their fan base even more. And what’s most important for me is that I’ve become a fan of Face Pulp because of this outstanding album.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
