Gravewurm - Infernal Minions

Gravewurm

Infernal Minions

by Mary Orren-Spunelli at 16 May 2013, 4:10 PM

Hailing from Fairfax, VA, GRAVEWURM claims to have been cranking out “old goat Metal since 1990”. I had to chuckle at that comment. However, after listening to this CD, I would say their years of experience are highly noticeable.

The fierce guitar riffing immediately grabs a hold and doesn’t let go. Infernal vocals are unleashed that border between being slightly comical and frightening, all at once. If demons from Hell formed a Metal band, they would sound like GRAVEWURM! The music is forceful without being overdone or overly complex. That’s not to say that their musicianship is lacking in skill or rhythm. It’s not. This band hits you square in the skull without mercy. A good head banging is in order! I especially noticed and appreciated the fast and furious drumming in “The Evil Within” and note that as one of my personal favorites. “Master Of The Dark” starts off almost sounding kind of Punk / Metal, but the vocals kick in and dispel that notion in a hurry.

Eerie music begins and continues throughout “Dominion Of Lost Souls” creating a vibe that is fitting for the song’s title. Musically, this has a heavier, more Doom-laden feel to it as well. This is another personal favorite for me. At some point during “Crown Of The Fallen”, the vocals kind of make me think of Gollum from “Lord Of The Rings” movies. No joke! It may sound like I am making fun of the vocals, but I’m really not. I’m actually quite impressed as your average human voice really isn’t capable of such sounds. So, perhaps the members of GRAVEWURM, the vocalist for sure, are indeed “Infernal Minions” for real, just as their album title implies. For certain, if Hell has a house band, it should be GRAVEWURM! Great riffs are found in each and every track and GRAVEWURM can best be described as classic, old-school raw Metal. They have the seasoned veteran sound that fans of HELLHAMMER, VENOM and the like will be able to appreciate.

If you are lucky enough to live in the right areas, you’ll definitely want to check GRAVEWURM out live at some of their upcoming shows: April 28th: The Sidebar Baltimore, MD with COLD NORTHERN VENGEANCE and HELLGOAT, June 8th: The Foundry Lakewood, OH with ROTTREVORE, EMBALMER and more. July 27th: DUSK 301 Harris ave. Providence, RI (Something Bloody Metal Fest July 27&28 1pm 18+).