EP Review: Rule Of Thumb vs Bleed The Gods

In a masterful and concise showcase of creative rivalry, Rule of Thumb and Bleed The Gods each offer two tracks to form an innovative split EP.

Sometimes, the most brilliant sparks arrive in the smallest forms. With their split EP, Rule of Thumb and Bleed the Gods redefine 'versus mode' and the classic EP, pushing both into inventive territory. Each artist brings two tracks, making Rule of Thumb Vs. Bleed The Gods is a compact display of creative rivalry.

Opening with “We Are The Lions,” Rule of Thumb launches with aggressive guitars and gritty, venue-soaked percussion that could make any mosh-pit veteran sweat. Tight, relentless, and technically agile, this track flows into “Break These Walls.” A brief detour into cinematic touches dives into a headbangers' ballet of push-and-pull, with chaotic guitars, rapid drums, and raw vocals clashing with equal intensity.

When Rule of Thumb’s fierce momentum comes to a close, Bleed The Gods takes the spotlight. Their first track, “Dead Strange,” introduces a new sonic landscape: a sense of dread and anxiety clings to its percussive energies as frenetic guitar riffs and unclean vocals violently pirouette around each other.

A musical typhoon of bold and intense soundscapes, Bleed The Gods crafts a distinctive, heavy, metallic rhythm that feels both frantic and somber throughout. This transitions into the EP's final track, “Bleed The Gods.” In line with the band's hallmark of riptide instrumental precision and fervent vocal performance, “Bleed The Gods” concludes the EP with a finale that is as relentless and fiery as its beginning.

Rule of Thumb Vs. Bleed The Gods is a creative little experiment that packs a considerable payoff. A great little narrative rivalry arc that showcases the talents of both up-and-coming bands, this EP shows that both have great leading-edge potential to create more cool moments like this one.