Boreworm

Entomophobia

BY Denise FalzonPublished Nov 16, 2016

7
Following up their debut The Black Path, Michigan-based progressive death metallers Boreworm have offered up Entomophobia, a four-track EP followup that delivers a diverse style, combining technical death metal with crushing sludge and experimental elements.
 
The atmospheric intro of "Synapse" slowly builds up before bursting into a whirlwind of massive, chugging riffs and intricate leads, pausing midway through to showcase delicate, eerie melodies. Next, "Esoteric" starts strong, hitting hard with heavy riffage and machine-gun drumming. Low, sinister growls from vocalist Dave Hoffman (ex-The Contortionist) add to the EP's brutal intensity, contrasting with the melodic beauty scattered throughout the release.
 
Highlight track "Vile Husk" features a perfect balance of technically proficient guitar work and crushing rhythms, while the title-track ends the EP on a high note — literally, with piercing tones. Boreworm know when to rein in the technicality, allowing the more straightforward, sludgier moments to shine through, making Entomophobia an impressive and engaging release.
(Independent)

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