14th January 2025

Review: “Old Ghosts/New Garments” by Willem Dafrend

It’s been four years since the last confession of Saint Louis Missouri Metalcore quartet Willem Dafrend with 2021 debut album “Nails” very well received. Inspirations from the likes of Converge, Norma Jean and Every Time I Die ensured a smattering of light lyrical humour and a electric energy in their aggressive style but with time brings change. The departure of guitarist and studio guru Patrick Baum (ex-Adair) finds the quartet re-tooling with Robert Fancher switching from bass to guitars for this one and new recruit Jason Kramer stepping into the band to fill his shoes. Joining that duo are vocalist Craig Niemoeller and drummer Joe Baalmann with “Old Ghosts/New Garments” a second album and a first for this line up…

It’s clear from the outset of the incendiary opening cut “Green Goblin” that despite the change Willem Dafrend have lost absolutely none of their furious energy or charm which made “Nails” such a fearfully addictive album. The introduction gives the track that live feel, the groovy bass bleed outs between the staccato riff breaks a pleasure you can’t measure. Its all wrapped up with a bow in the nostalgic quality of 2000’s bands like Glassjaw before Niemoeller’s blood curdling scream of “He’s not a monster, he’s ahead of the curve!” makes for a moment you’re going to want to join in with. Slowing things down a notch while maintaining the flow “Shitshow (A Love Song)” has some Jello Biafra inspired vocal moments as the band opt for dirge laden groove and a classy downtempo finale. After the shock factor of the opening cut this one feels like a moment of respite on first listen but after a few spins it’s charms become even more seductive.

When everyone takes themselves so seriously in this day and age it’s nice to have a cut like “Where Are My Keys” which keeps it real with a touch of humour. “I remember the words from every song in the 80’s. But I don’t recall what I need in the kitchen… and where are my fuckin’ keys?!” screams Niemoeller and lets be honest, who hasn’t been there? The intensity maintains the energy before drifting into a stunning moment of piano that is the absolute Chef’s Kiss. Switching back to the Metallic Hardcore Punk of the opening cut “Local Legend” throws shotgun shells in the fire with an evil grin, the verve and swagger of the tune a demonstration of supreme confidence in the material. The narrative is a classic tale about a wannabe who is getting called out and we all know one of those…

A suitably abrasive riff and a hint of Black ‘n Roll give “Death Scroll” another dimension, Niemoeller pushing himself vocally to the limit with his screams. Whether the lyrical narrative is about the endless scrolling of social media or not is open to interpretation but its cleverly worked with the atmosphere to give it a surprisingly occult feel. Following a powerhouse moment with another “Powderkeg“, Fancher clearly having the riffs in his armoury to propel the band into the next decade. Pummelling percussion and bombastic bass underpin the moment and to be honest, resistance is futile. The ferocious “Anonymous Tips” cleaves skin from bone with its caustic abrasions, the humour of it all cracking an immediate smiles. An ode to how stressful day to day life can be, constantly biting your tongue to hold down a job you hate because you’ve got bills to pay, it’s instantly appealing and a cathartic release at the same time. Throw into the fire a opening narrative about how some bands logos are illegible in “Angry Sticks” and you’ve got a stone cold winner. Classy Metallic Hardcore riffs with a satisfying crunch make sure the album finishes on a high. One of those albums that is brutally honest and fun with it, this one has the potential to take Willem Dafrend a long way [8/10]

Track Listing