Here we are dealing with two Finish bands with a common influence from Speed/Thrash Metal, but from a different direction.

SPEEDTRAP open this split EP and have a more Speed Metal approach. Yet they remain melodic enough and don't sound boring after a while. I could say that it was like listening MOTLEY CREW's "Too Fast for Love" at the speed of ANTHRAX's "Fistfull Of Metal" and with influences, as long as the music concerns, from RAZOR and early OVERKILL. The opening track "Out For Your Blood" can grab you by the neck, forcing you to bang your head. The vocals of Jori are scream-ish but clean and bind nicely with the sound and attitude of the band. "Midnight (Rough Ride)" is the catchiest moment of this EP and the traditional speed thrashers may not like it that much. But overall it is a nice track. As for the last song of SPEEDTRAP, well it just shows that speed isn't the only thing that matters, since it manages to sound boring even though it lasts only for only 1:43.

As for DEATH WITH A DAGGER, well my impression from their first track was not the best one. Speed/Thrash with a punk attitude and a hint of NWOBHM, something that is not bad at all, but we all have listened to bands that played it better than those guys. I have to admit that "White Lady" made me move my head with its riffing and the more mid-tempo speed. As for "Burning Core", it is probably my favorite of the three songs from DEATH WITH A DAGGER with this interesting twin guitar in the beginning of the track and maybe because it reminds me of Greeks STEAMROLLER ASSAULT in the chorus.

Overall this EP is a fair offer from High Roller Records. for the fans of this kind of sound in order go get in touch with the material of these two bands. This split EP is nothing extravaganza but on the other hand it is not bad either. I may listen to it again while drinking a couple of beers with friends but that's about it.