Art is the single most important vehicle for the manifestation of self expression. Able to represent emotions of an abundant quality, from joie de vie to the deeper depths of the human psyche. Without expression none of this would be possible. Jackson Pollock’s famous paint splatter an afterthought, Rothko’s intricate piecing together of colour an idealistic dream even the likes of morbid surrealist Francis Bacon would have never taken flight. Taking this idea into a musical context freedom of expression can surpass genre classification. Known for their quashing of individuality the south east has been somewhat in the dark. Vilifying this ideal Wormrot return after a five year hiatus to deliver their signature breed of Singaporean Grindcore to the masses once again but will expression triumph?
[tracklist]
- Blockhead Fuck Off
- Hollow Roots
- Exit Fear
- God’s In His Heaven
- Oblivious Mess
- Descendending Into The Unknown
- Dead Wrong
- Fallen Into Disuse
- The 1st World Syndrome
- Shallow Standards
- Fake Moral Machine
- Forced Siege
- Take Aim
- Still Irrelevant
- Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Grind
- Compassion Is Dead
- Buried The Sun
- Defaced
- The Face Of Disgrace
Outworn
[/tracklist][details]
[length]29:00[/length]
[record_label]Earache Records[/record_label]
[release_date]October 14th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Not wasting any time Voices kicks things into high gear with the Punk fidgeting of “Exit Fear” who’s intensity is perfectly encapsulated in its short time of just forty seconds. Chanelling pure rage singer Arif is able to convey a sense of anguish in the likes of “Blockhead Fuck Off“.Though it’s not all just all out Punk aggression, the record at times moves into coarse melody. “Oblivious Mess” for example slowly begins with an almost Black Metal choice of chords acting as a differing point behind the wall of sound normally associated with Grindcore. Though obvious Grind stamping ground, single “Fallen Into Disuse” ticks all the Napalm Death related boxes whilst ensuring that the band aren’t merely a copy cat. “Shallow Standards” again shows what makes the band differential from the Grindcore mob with the inspired use of octaves to create as much tension as you can in fifty three seconds.
Feral delivery of “1st World Syndrome” hits home the berserker aspect of Grindcore with new drummer Vijesh adding flavour behind the kit. Not to mention the production of the record ensuring that each section remains as corrosive yet still decipherable. Put through the ringer “Fake Moral Machine” lies in the more Punk home of the band, lurching riffs of final section of “Forced Siege” create a great understanding of groove. Clocking in at a whopping two minutes and forty seconds the grind odyssey that is “Compassion Is Dead” implements all the elements the band have been playing wih into a brilliantly constructed remorseless track living up to its title. Leaving a lasting imprint the likes of “Outworn” ensure that Wormrot’s surgical strike hits home right up until it’s grand finale of a dour sermon from singer Arif making for a poignant finish.
Crafting explosive tracks together Wormrot are most definitely back. Retaining the energy of a young and arguably an old Napalm Death, the vehemence delivered from early Pig Destroyer, these Singaporeans have yet to put a step wrong. Despite its running time of half an hour Voices will makes its mark from the unstable beginning right until it’s discordant end. Proving that expression is available in the South East despite the efforts of the authorities to quash it Wormrot triumph in a truly venomous, unstable frenzy of pure rebellion. If you’re a grind fan don’t miss out on this one.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Those worried about the band’s return need not fret. Wormrot have delivered yet another, possibly their best yet world class Grindcore record. Combining the young rebellion with the studious talent gained by hindsight Voices will see Wormrot be heard.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up a copy of Voices here!
