Local Review: Hibernaut / Face Pulp — Split with Face Pulp 

Hibernaut / Face Pulp
Split with Face Pulp
Self-Released
Street: 03.06.2026
Hibernaut = Neurosis+Eyehategod

Hibernaut takes us to our impending doom once again, while making waves with their new split EP release with hardcore grindcore band; Face Pulp. Clocking in at 35 minutes, with a total of four songs on Hibernauts end, and five songs with Face Pulp, this has to be one of the most decrepit, intense, and monumental EPs with the Flagstaff, Arizona band.

Starting off your listening journey, “Mark of Shame,” starts us off with an immediate taste of our own medicine, while feeding us that classic Hibernaut sound. Heavy, phat and loud. Hibernaut almost makes it look easy with their impressive ability to carry the art of storytelling in their music. One stark difference that I would like to point out in this EP, has to be their almost psychedelic shift, giving us a more psych doom metal ambiance. 

“Tongueless,” takes you into a dreamlike state where I feel like their psychedelic guitar riffs and notes are mostly noticeable. Dave Jones‘ vocals take us on a trip, as to what that trip into what almost feels like through another realm while the combined notes of both Josh Durpee’s bass and Matt Miller‘s guitar blend into your subconscious creating a divine melodic tune. Good for your soul and the melting of your mind. 

The last song on the Hibernaut side of the split track and one of my personal favorites, “Bastardized Cultivation,” was amplified by Zach Hatsis‘ multifarious drumming throughout this eight-minute song. This song was more intense and full of rage with lyrics like, “Death smeared blasted land/ Prunus centrum expand/ voiding infinity/ions dissipation.” 

Half way through the song, a breakdown is magnified by the relaxed hit of cymbals and distorted slow riffs, bringing the song to what you think is going to be the end, until they pick up the tempo once more and fill in the space with some more nasty tones from their bass and guitars. 

Facepulp spare no listeners any mercy as they deliver a speedy, rowdy and noisy set. These two bands find a way to make their disparate genres blend in a way that can show one that their talents, approach, and passion are not so different, creating an almost fussable but powerful collab, despite their recognizable differences in sound. 

“Ups and Downs and Crap,” is more of a mellow introduction to Facepulp compared to the rest of their songs on the album, and as well as the longest clocking in at four minutes with a couple seconds to spare. Their harsh sound is unique, and ruthless with speedy percussion, and fuzzy guitars give listeners a heads up to prepare for the ride.

If you like hardcore punk and interested in listening to more grindecore,“Dicks, Pins, and Needles,” and “ The one you Forgot,” are perfect introductions to get started. These songs carry so much raw visceral vocals, blast beats, crunchy rage riddled riffs, making Facepulp truly stand out. If you love angry tunes, you’ll love Face Pulp.

Hibernaut doesn’t miss; finding new ways to try different things and making sure not to get too comfortable to one tone for too long, this album serves as a reminder of who you’re listening to, are you paying attention? It’s that classical Hibernaut sound, disciples of sludgy doom, brain numbing, mind altering delicious doom. Can’t miss out on that type of sound these days, go give ‘em a listen, and show some of our Arizona folk some love by checking out FacePulp on Instagram @facepulp. —Litzi Estrada 

Read more music reviews by Litzi Estrada:
Local Review: Warm Veins — Warm Veins
Local Review: Macana — Life of Pain

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