30th July 2026

Review: “Å” by Wormwood

Having received critical acclaim for their past four albums Swedish quintet Wormwood have chosen another route to remain on the left hand path by conjuring new EP “Å“ from the ether. An affair mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Sverker Widgren (Desolator, Fimbul Winter, Diabolical) at Wing Studios in Stockholm, it has the promise of another journey through melodic intensity with raw emotional power, the band seeking to refine their sound as they progress. How they have managed to find balance previously has been intriguing, how they continue to do so a demonstration of incredible musicianship.

At one point Wormwood might have been considered a Melodic Black Metal band but their gradual movement towards becoming an Extreme Metal force of nature has been firmly cemented with “Å“, the harsh unclean vocals of opening cut “Yra | Extas” placing the crown of Cradle Of Filth firmly within their grasp. The five piece are however specialists in nuance, creating moments of majesty in twisting and contorting compositions that can change direction like the plague wind so don’t get lulled into a false sense of security. Despite bursts of raging blast beats and scalding vocals, there are moments of pomp and circumstance in the rise and fall of the guitars, a Scandinavian folk inspired keyboard melody laden passage and touches of cinematic atmosphere. As a near nine minute composition those elements go a long way to keeping you engaged in the enthralling piece, as the depth and texture of it is incredible. A blistering warm and vibrant solo in the final moments is nothing short of spellbinding and it will leave you wanting more despite the bleak overtones.

It maybe ninety seconds shorter but “Purposeless Geometry” has just as many twists and turns, the wah-wah of the guitars giving it a Spaghetti Western soundtrack quality akin to the dark folk, country and Gothic blues of Me and That Man. It still has some of the heavier elements but that soulful quality is inescapable, the crushing crescendo bringing it home in style after a false ending that works incredibly well. A pair of tracks that surpasses sixteen minutes of sonic mastery, this record is not one to be slept on because it has all the style and grace to introduce new fans to a pre-existing body of work that is nothing short of stunning [8.5/10]

Track Listing