MMXIV
Worselder
•
February 26, 2015

We live in an era of bands self producing material and self releasing it via the web. Bandcamp, Soundcloud and even torrent sites are used as free publicity and as a means to get the material to a wider fanbase. Now in many cases this leads to a less than stellar album and is worth of the "name your price" tag. But hidden amongst the rip-off bands, and those attempting to play to more than 10 people are little nuggets of pure gold. This is exactly where WORSELDER sit.
Whilst opening track "The Sickening" opens to waterfall esque tones and a non-cheesy use of a guitar chorus pedal, it quickly descends into 90s hardcore influenced music with huge grooves and hooks to boot. With a vocal style that would sound more suited to classic 80s British Heavy Metal. This is a strange, unique combination yet it works.
"Home of the Grave" starts with one foot firmly planted in Groove Metal and the other in more well trodden music styles. Again this play off between distinct styles works well. It is equal parts pit inducing and half singalong cathartic release.
Closing track "The Haven" is almost MANOWAR esque in its opening vocals that melts into harmonizing guitar work and even a bass guitar break. It makes a change for each instrument to reach a common musical goal but also have space and individuality. The technicality in the drum work allows the vocals to meld beautiful with the tracks, and even in the more sparse sections there is enough going on to grab your attention.
Clocking in at just below 15 minutes this is a concise release that allows for each track to feel like a standalone release, if this was a full release it may feel as though there is too little of a link from track to track. However her it is just enough to whet your appetite for more.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect

"MMXIV" Track-listing:
1. The Sickening
2. Home of the Grave
3. The Haven
Worselder Lineup:
Guilaume - Vocals
Mitch - Drums
Yannick - Bass / Backing Vocals
James - Guitar
Yoric - Guitar
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