Using the Internet Wayback Machine, I was able to cull a
few of my old reviews on the old Ominous Vomit site for use here! Enjoy.
Gravewurm Blood of the Pentagram
2010 Hells Headbangers
5/10 CRUSHED FUCKING SKULLS
Rarely can I say that I know exactly what I am in for when I
first listen to an album. Even Cannibal Corpse surprises me with their
newfound ultra-technical leanings. However, there are a few bands that I
can honestly say put out the exact thing I expect them to, and Gravewurm is one
of them. Do not mistake: this is a good thing. I love when I
can buy a record and I get exactly what I expect. Not every band is that
consistent or loyal to their following. What Gravewurm offers up on this,
their final record, after twenty years of existence, is simple, bare-bones,
black/death the old way. Think old Sodom, old Varathron, and
NunSlaughter. I respect the amount of time these blokes have spent in the
underground and the faithful following they've built up. That said, I
have a few complaints. The drum machine. I hate it.
Period. It's very samey-sounding from song to song, and without a ton of
variation in the riff-work on the guitar, I found myself periodically bored.
Also, the vocals have never typically been a high point for me with these
guys. I've never been a fan of the approach the vocalist takes, as he's
very breathy and raspy, rather than powerful. Just not my thing, and it
sounds a bit weak. A few songs really shine, like the title track, which
kept me hooked and definitely won me over, but for the most part, this one is
forgettable, much like most of their back catalog. Trust me, it'll be
kept around the house for those few tracks that I loved, but it's not something
I'm rushing out to get immediately in my favorite format, vinyl. Get it
if you dig these guys, don't if you don't. Simple as that.
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