150 copies auf schwarzem Vinyl, inside-out printed sleeve, 300g heavy insert
With their initial self-titled release in 2018, Cruel Division presented a harshly thrusting energy that blatantly moved back and forth in the spheres of metallic Hardcore. Having emerged with the intention to move towards the direction of recent New York Hardcore representatives, immediate musical progression took place before their follow-up release. When their 2023 EP Under The Burden Of Rotting Fruit followed, this combo proved a strongly refined sound that showcased heavy implementation of elements from the spheres of Black and Death Metal, Post-Metal and Crust Punk. The tone switched from on-the-nose metallic Hardcore towards structurized and more aggressive outbursts that could only marginally be denoted as Hardcore Punk. The influences of Extreme Metal impacted the sound of Cruel Division on an overarching level, blending these sonical elements into quite a characteristic sound
Stemming from The King in Yellow, Cruel Division have interwoven the motif of the place of Carcosa in order to gaze at everyday life, existentialism and loss of reality through the lens of cosmic horror. With this vista, the light veneer of our civilization finds emphasis. Both taking a closer look at introspective impacts of societal life as well as external factors that can be observed, Cruel Division address aspects of cultural and religious revisionism and feelings of deadening feelings due to unsuccessful seeking of belonging. However, there is a faint beacon of hope in the distance in the further process of the release that are eventually cut off when the EP finishes uttering mere anger and frustration about ever-continuing sexual violence that can also be seen right in the middle of the scene that we are moving in.
Similar to the progression between the previous releases of Cruel Division, it is quite difficult to put their sound into words when comparing to what listeners might have been expecting from their catalogue. This outfit found blatant and deep interest in sonical elements of Black and Death Metal, which can be heard from the first second on. It gradually becomes more and more difficult to denote this band as “Hardcore,” when the sound bathes in the styles of Extreme Metal. Drums and guitars are at an absolute speed level, relentlessly throwing a pile of wrath right into your face that is not interested in seeking any space for pauses or recreation. Nevertheless, the Hardcore influences can still be traced on this sound and is also an element that holds this entire release together. With Carcosa, Cruel Division present musical output that once again transports the impression that this band is capable to wander about in almost any direction they might become interested in. No matter if you are a fan of straight-up blast beat collections raising your heartbeat or sequences that set a halt or will get you moving, everything can be spotted on Carcosa.
If this description was not enough already, the cover artwork that was done by Philipp Umscheid (teufels.zwirn) is the final icing on the cake of this release. Broadcasting visual impressions of how we might imagine the place of Carcosa, this drawing perfectly sets the tone for the music that is to be awaited. Recording, mix & master duties went to Jonathan Aßheuer at Wholesome Audio, perfectly capturing the fury that Cruel Division transports.
Carcosa will be released on limited colored splatter and black 12” vinyl via Cultkill Music and cassette tape via Santa Diabla. The EP-titled single “Carcosa” already found a pre-release that will feature a video clip before the EP is then released on the 15h of May via Cultkill Music and Santa Diabla. Be prepared to enter the realms of torment.
