Bongripper? What do I have to say about Bongripper? For starters, I’ve been a fan of these Chicago doom destroyers since I first heard Hate Ashbury in 2008. Then Satan Worshipping Doom hit me in the gut in 2010. The intense momentum this fucking band has picked up since then is insurmountable. Everything they touch turns green and emits pure heaviness when sparked. After a successful show at Roadburn last year (which you can now buy their live recording here), the band has been working on re-issuing one of their classic albums, Great Barrier Reefer (also for sale now). Still, it had been a while since there was new material from the band. Their Sex Tape / Snuff Film 7″ was just enough to hold over my craving for wall-punching heaviness and now, their new split with Hate features their newest track “Fisting”.

So how is it? Fucking brutal. It’s difficult to type this write up while the song is playing. 11 minutes of giant riffs, heavy as fuck bass and colliding percussions. Just imagine the Old Ones colliding in a battle for the last rip from the bong. Around the 9 minute work, the well-coined Bongripper riffs hit the table and the entire world collapses before a cacophony of d-beat erupts. What I’m trying to say is, this album is intense and I haven’t even talked about side B…

By contrast, Hate’s songs crack open the sky and shatter the stars. As hell rains from the heavens (yes, that is possible), you’re left picking up your teeth. It’s an interesting contrast but that’s what make splits so great, right?

Pre-order the Bongripper / Hate – Split LP here at BONGRIPPER’s site and listen to the whole thing for free at their Bandcamp, where you can also buy the digital version.