Burmese / Fistula
(split EP)

December 2004
Released: 2004, Crucial Blast
Rating: 5.0/5
Reviewer: JP

Year-end wrap-up: Each of the last few years to wrap up the year I have picked a theme for my reviews for December. This year due to the overwhelming number of CD’s that deserve exposure, recognition and commentary I am going to resort to quantity over quality. I usually try to give as much attention to each CD with extensive commentary however this month’s reviews (perhaps unfortunately) will be short and sweet and much more in the style of traditional magazine reviews where space restrictions are an important factor. (ie. Less detail) I apologize in advance to readers who expect much more detailed reviews. Please check the reviews archives as many of my colleagues have written excellent detailed commentary of many of these CD’s. I hope the large number of quick comments will help guide you making some of those important year-end CD purchase decisions. Happy Holidays and see you in January. JP



This is a cool split EP by two relatively unknown noise/grind style bands. The packaging is pretty poor and offers nothing of style or substance. Research is needed for interested fans and a budget is needed for the bands. If you like Japanese noise and grind you might like to check these guys out.



First up Burmese go with the minimalist blastcore school with 10 songs clocking in at about 11 minutes. I’m sure it’s very funny and/or nasty but lack of lyrics and unintelligible vocals means you miss the humour. Nice tasty little blasts of grind but nothing really new.



Fistula tries something different with their form of sonic extremity. Lead off track ‘Green Lung’ is grinding, distortion of coughing. Yes, people coughing. It sounds really cool and unique. Although song lengths are traditional there is not really a traditional arrangement to any of the four songs. It’s a mix of blasts and some experimental, ambient type weirdness that is odd to categorize which is cool, but in terms of traditional music this will hold little value for metal fans. I can’t imagine an hour of this so it’s mercifully short and effective.