Ottawa & Jihad - (1994) Split LP

Ottawa managed to mesh blast beats and infusions of hardcore to form a sound akin to the famed Tolkien “Uruk-Hai” Orcs battle cry. The music assaults the listener, while duel vocalists rained  down vicious explosions of political commentary. They were based out of Dearborn, Michigan, which to this day is a blue collar neighborhood where the Ford auto company also claims its home. Jihad, on the other hand, lumbered forth from the west side of the state, claiming  the college town Kalamazoo, Michigan at their home turf.  With a churning, bass-heavy sound and glass-swallowing vocals, Jihad was the perfect soundtrack to a man being set on fire, clawing his way across a concrete sidewalk while fighting for his very life. Separated by about three hours, on opposite ends of Michigan, they were brought together to form a colossal split album, which when released was met with glowing reviews. Even to this day, both sides of this release stand up to the test of time. Still managing to maintain the anger, brutality and relevant socio-political commentary that has become a hallmark of hardcore music.