Graveworm

Out of the black metal bands that exist today, there is one band that remains standing strong: Graveworm. Consisting of members from both Italy and Germany, this black metal band has been tearing through the world with their metal, touring with bands such as Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom, and Kataklysm. Signed to Nuclear Blast in 2002, the band has had five years on the label to prove what they are really made of, and they have done so with unprecedented success; Collateral Defect being the latest proof of said success.

Kicking the album off is “Reflections”, which is simply an intro for the album to gain momentum, allowing the band to hurtle into “Bloodwork.” The track kicks off with a breakdown guitar riff, accompanied with Fiori’s insane screaming skills. He has the perfect voice for black metal: he can hit the high screams and low growls, rumbling the guts of any listener. As well, he can hold one of the longest screams I’ve heard to date, which is saying something compared to Randy Blythe of Lamb of God.

“Fragile Side” is sixth on the CD. Right off the bat, Fiori rips into his insane vocals with no intro whatsoever. For a bit of a turn, however, there is backing vocals, which are surprisingly soft, rather than the expected harsh growl. Halfway through the mayhem the distortion switches off for a slow bridge, entrancing anyone listening, and portrays the band’s symphonic side very well.

The final track on the album is “Memories,” which is a good title for a closing track. Surprisingly, the song is played with an acoustic guitar, which demonstrates Graveworm’s huge amount of diversity. Nothing short of impressive, it’s an EXCELLENT way to close an album.

Overall, I’d have to say Collateral Defect is, by far, the best black metal album I’ve heard in years. The recording was crystal clear, and the diversity the band possessed was completely surreal, almost dream-like.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Reflections
02. Bloodwork
03. Touch of Hate
04. Suicide Code
05. The Day I Die
06. Fragile Side
07. I Need a Hero
08. Cut of Clouds
09. Scars of Sorrow
10. Memories

Run Time: 41:04