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Good things come in small packages, I guess, as U.S. death metal outfits Torn in Half and Open Kasket present this short split to start the year 2024 with four tracks of dirty and crushing death metal. I find Torn in Half's two songs have more of a Swedish style to them, with a buzzing song and mostly mid-paced, heavy approach. No frills and no surprises here, just pounding old-school death metal. Open Kasket share a little bit of the same DNA, but they sound more enraged, more keen on U.S.-style death metal and a bit of hardcore, and more modern in their overall style, while still showing some old-school roots. Their first of two songs, "Putrid Existence," has a very cool dark, almost horror-like, guitar-driven atmosphere that feels kind of creepy. Splits are hit or miss, but here we have two bands that gel well together, and their songs certainly give the listener the urge to check out more of their discographies.