A dense, collaborative split between two forward-thinking death metal bands from Canada. Bizarre, angular riffs and ballistic-yet-technical drumming all reminds one of the avant-garde stylings of Demilich or Gorguts, and slight tinges of fellow countrymen Voivod. Mitochondrion is the most musically dense and technical of the two, possessing also a hint of New York-style brutality (e.g. Suffocation, Incantation). Gyibaaw is the rawest of the two, with black metal production that fits the Fenriz-esque drumming and wintry bleakness perfectly. The passion is authentic and genuine as could be, with the added plus that they sing in their native S'malygax language (the language of the native Tsimshian of British Columbia) and augment their sound with some folk elements. Death metal that is challenging and engaging for the listener—that’s hard to find nowadays, so spin this one until your ears bleed!
Best tracks: 3, 4, 5

1. An acoustic intro, collaboration between both bands.
2. Gorguts-influenced death metal rager, dense technicality and wild tempos.
3. Raw like Darkthrone and intense, but also with folk elements that make it even more stark and wintry!
4. Another winding, bewildering arrangement of riffs.
5. A heavy, Fenriz-ish stomper evolves slowly into a more Bathory-esque anthem.
6. A brief blaster, tech-death at the speed of grindcore.
7. A powerful, evocative cover of folk-black metal band Drudkh; add great acoustic guitars, harmonies, and leads.
8. A thick and heavy cover of cult black metal band Indquisition. Blasting and evil.