Police Bastard / War//Plague – “Attrition”

An absolute powerhouse coordination of international DIY crust punk, Attrition is a monumental 2011 split studio album that unites Birmingham, UK legends Police Bastard with Minneapolis underground mainstays War//Plague. Released through the renowned anti-establishment label Profane Existence, this split 12-inch LP brings together seasoned veterans from both sides of the Atlantic. The physical record perfectly preserves the punishing tonal gravity of two distinct recording environments, providing a crisp, heavy-hitting delivery of pure sonic resistance.

What makes this record incredibly cool is how beautifully it juxtaposes different flavors of modern and classic dark punk. On their side of the wax, War//Plague showcases their signature Midwestern crust style, blending rhythmic, tribal undertones with metallic riffs and a deeply moody atmosphere. On the flip side, Police Bastard—featuring former members of iconic crust pioneers Doom—delivers a scorching fusion of 80s UK peace punk, fast hardcore thrash, and includes phenomenal covers of Rudimentary Peni’s “Blasphemy Squad” and The Mob’s “I Wish.” Fueled by relentless energy and vital sociopolitical commentary, Attrition stands as an essential, definitive piece of global crust history.

Track Listing:

1. Scene Not Heard – 3:28
2. How Will They Reassemble Themselves – 4:15
3. Concrete Burns – 4:21
4. The Sheep – 3:23
5. Rust – 1:57
6. Screams Of The Dead – 2:47
7. The Lie – 3:18
8. Born to Die – 3:40
9. Blasphemy Squad – 1:43
10. God Off – 0:49
11. Erosion – 3:50
12. I Wish – 4:02