23rd August 2024

Review: “Low” by Worn Out

Does having a critically acclaimed debut EP mean that you feel the pressure when going into recording anything new? That’s a question for Irish Metallic Hardcore quartet Worn Out who gave us “Waste” in 2021 to rave reviews. Searching for solace the band have spent the past seven years establishing themselves, sharing stages with notable acts like God Mother, Palm Reader and Conjurer while creating aggressive, abrasive and ferocious sounds. It’s safe to say their sophomore record feels like it’s been a long time coming but mixed by Joe Clayton (Bossk, Wallowing) and mastered by Sam Bloor (Graywave, Incinery) it is finally upon us. Bassist Brian Bowell recorded the vocals of Xander Coughlan and the guitars of Alexander Heinrich as well as his own parts with Christopher Hockey at CSM Studios in Cork recording the drums of Evan Prendergast…

An all out assault on the senses from the very first second, “Deeper” is classy piece of modern adrenaline fuelled Metallic Hardcore with moments of Noise Metal inspiration. Flavours of bands like Will Haven and Knocked Loose flow through the veins of the first cut with urgent angular riffs and misanthropic lyrics screamed with the kind of gritty emotive quality that tells you that the cathartic vent is needed to exile the vile. Using the studio for the drum sound was a masterstroke, the crisp and clean end product means you can feel every hit as if the kit was in the room. A dirge laden down tuned riff reminiscent of early American Head Charge brings in “Twisting Knives” before flirting with Deftones vibes with a melancholia that burns. Swirling around the shriller harsh vocals from Coughlan they build atmosphere while taking a different approach to the bands usual skull battering style. An elegant rise and fall in the final third that is cleverly constructed while not being afraid to experiment keeps things sounding fresh and invigorating.

A violent mood swing back to something punchier and more aggressive “Lose Sleep” keeps things flowing like a river to the sea. Menacing powerhouse riffs and thunderous percussion raise the hairs on the back of the neck, the churning final moments reaching downtempo grandeur after a bombastic first half. Are Worn Out about to mellow out for a longer final cut in “Collapse“? Hell no. Instead they bring out the dead with some mosh pit friendly two step worthy moments that heighten the senses with their fervour. A narrative about people never learning to change before its too late hits like an concrete slab to the face and the Noise Metal finale is straight out of Sacramento, making this barbed odyssey one to savour. An absolute ripper from start to finish, on this evidence these Gentlemen will soon find themselves on the European scene [9/10]

Track Listing