There are lots of words one could use to describe a
Wormrot
song; "dirge" is not one of them. This Singapore-based grindcore trio specializes in ultra-compressed blasts of raw yet disciplined energy, typically exploding for between 30 and 90 seconds before moving on. The shortest song on
Dirge
is a four-second nod to grindcore forefathers
Napalm Death
,
"You Suffer But Why Is It My Problem."
The longest is the album-closing
"The Final Insult,"
which sprawls out for an epic 1:49.
packs 25 songs into just under 18 minutes, every one a relentless assault of grinding guitar (doubled in the studio to give extra heft), anarchic yet complex drumming, and hoarse, agitated vocals. This is a sound hundreds of bands across the planet are making every day. But even as
's songs blur into a single massive assault, they have a punk rock catchiness that some of the more metallic grindcore acts don't share. They throw curve balls at times, too;
"Deceased Occupation"
is built on a sludgy, slip-sliding riff
Eyehategod
wouldn't turn their noses up at, while
"Principle of Puppet Warfare"
is pure punk rock slam-fuel. The vocalist has at least three different voices he uses at different times, increasing his impact and presence by changing up his approach. It's possible to have a favorite
song, something that can't be said about the legions of lesser grindcore bands out there. ~ Phil Freeman