31st May 2023

Review: “Damascus” by Dreadworm

Having been on our radar since they released the transatlantic split EP “Oblivion” with our very own South Coast skull crushers Majin back in February 2022, Dreadworm have continued to slice and dice their way through the urban jungle and build their reputation and niche. It’s a crowded Jail but there is a barred window for all who dare enter the arena. Calling themselves a Heavy Hardcore Sludge From Riverside California, a place that just so happens to be the place of residence of Suicide Silence, the band dropped debut EP “Purify” just a month after that split, cutting that hallmark sound with elements of Death, Doom and Slam Metal in the process. Now they return with a sophomore record fourteen months on and my how they’ve grown…

As a record “Damascus” marks the end of an era for Dreadworm as the last set of cuts with vocalist Mason Probus at the helm, the announcement of his exit stage left happening in February, following the announcement of Chad “Cheeto” Ambrose as their new bassist a month earlier. That revolving door hasn’t stopped the bands actives and this record closes the chapter on the line up in style, paving the way for the new material they are said to be working on to come to fruition. Things spin kick into life with the crushing “Guillotine“, a punchy aggressive cut that reminds of “Nomad” era Kubali Khan with tone and ferocity to match the Texas outfit stride for stride. Churning bass and venomus vocals are the order of the day, served with a side order of stuccato riff breaks and an iron fist of pure cathartic hatred. The title track throws dials up the heat with a lethal injection of adrenaline that feels like a slap in the face of a rude awakening. It hits hard and the addition of what sounds like a flat cowbell hit without a cowbell in the drum pattern feels like the Slipknot Keg drum idea and works well, purposefully kept raw and not allowed to ring out. “No Name” then comes in swinging, running to the length of the opening pair of cuts combined. Tempo shifts are executed like gear changes as the Juggernaut destroys everything in its path, Downtempo Deathcore moments bringing the thunder before the breakdowns begin to pile up. Fodder for Mosh pit activities, it ends on a haunting note before the anthemic “The Wolf” dredged the lake once more. A razor sharp Metallic Hardcore cut, it’s the stand out from the pack, a tsunami of groove pushing on Deathcore boundaries while at the same time keeping the flow right. It’s dirge laden and nasty with it, primitive enough to sound like a demo with the drum sound and yet offering more than enough to sink your teeth into and be satisfied. Dreadworm have unleashed a beast, their new line up has big shoes to fill… [7.5/10]

Track Listing