Shadow Kingdom Records
www.myspace.com/gardenofworm
Review: Craig Hartranft, 05.09.2010
Garden of Worm's debut work reflects the dark suits they wear against a Finnish snowscape pictured on their back cover CD art. Across the blank slate of the recording tape, GOW brings the depth and gloom of classic doom-laced heavy metal. The notes of Blue Cheer or Sabbath combine with early Maiden for a soundscape of undeniable intrigue, even progressiveness. Fans of doom infected heavy metal should rejoice at this moment. Garden of Worm is heavy, melancholy, and gut wrenching without being over plodding like sludge metal for a genuine sincerity that the darkest souls and spliff smoking fiends long for. The Ceremony and The Black Clouds invoke the underside of heaven while not quite embracing the cauldrons of the devil. While some times minimalist as the aching acoustic overture to Rays from Heaven, GOW bursts with solemn and aggressive signatures of knotty prog doom and dark metal on The Alchemist's Dream and Hollow. Without some attentiveness to your soul, Garden of Worm's music will subdue you, even convince you that their is no hope. Impressive and convincing, Garden of Worm is dangerously entertaining.
Without some attentiveness to your soul, Garden of Worm's debut will subdue you, even convince you that their is no hope. Impressive and convincing, Garden of Worm is dangerously entertaining.
Formed 23 years ago, Finland's Excalion has had a turbulent musical career. Before releasing a trio of albums between 2005 and 2010, they had personnel changes. Currently, only the drummer and keyboard ... [ Read More ]