REVIEW: XBONGX/Seven Crimson Suns - Split

Written by Ryan Germ

Starting in late 2024 XBONGX is a band hailing from Providence, RI that I can’t really describe beyond being a very promising Mathcore/Metalcore outfit that’s blowing up quicker than Squidward in that one scene of SpongeBob. Their bio on streaming proclaims themselves as “401 METALLIC WEED MOSH” prior to this split they released a demo just days after their first show and a record entitled RESIN in June. Starting off with their side of the split is a song called Pharaoh, and within 10 seconds you get greeted with harsh vocals and panic chords, with drums that feel like they’re kneeing you in the face before they let up for a moment only to punch you even harder, to wrap up track one there’s a nasty breakdown before leading into track 2: Ignite. Now this one comes out of the gate swinging giving major Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza vibes before leading into a heavy breakdown with gang vocals and a brutal guttural that make it pop. Finally a semi melodic lead comes in reminiscent of early to mid 00’s Trustkill Records before pummeling you over and over again with a heavy ass mosh part until the end of the song, and thus bringing XBONGX’s side of the split to an end. They’re playing at The Market Hotel in NYC on the 14th so be sure to catch them there.

On the other side of the Split we have Seven Crimson Suns from my native state of NJ.  Coming off of the momentum of their EP The Strain which released in July they show on their side of the split that they’re gonna be players in the Northeast metalcore scene for a while to come. Their first song on the split Inspiration for the Shining starts off with a 20 second sample before showing off their brand of organized yet chaotic metalcore. Going from a very overwhelming panic chord riddled intro in the vain of bands like early Dillinger, Coalesce, and that sort to a very heavy, very down tuned breakdown before transitioning to another fast part in the span of 30 seconds. The track wraps up with a pause, a snare and kick fill, before going to another breakdown with many pinch harmonics. After that track 2 …And I’m Still Laughing is next clocking in at almost 3 minutes making it by far the longest song. The opening riff in this is by far my favorite on the split blending pinch harmonics and panic chords with amazing groove. It’s followed with a pretty melodic guitar over the harsh screams that have been prevalent on SCS side of the split, it transitions into another breakdown in which the drums speed up slightly giving the song a very gritty 2 step part. The final thing you hear on the record is a bunch of feedback, leaving you with nothing but memories of the carnage you just heard. They’re playing a show at Gleasons in Long Branch on the 15th, so go check them out and show them some love if you’re in the area.

Final thoughts: At only 8 minutes this definitely gives you a lot of chaos for the short run time. On average the songs are each around 2 minutes. Now for a split by 2 up and coming bands that give you a glimpse of the future of Metalcore/Hardcore this certainly doesn’t disappoint, I could definitely see both bands breaking through to the center of the HC zeitgeist in 2026.