GRAVEWURM

Typically speaking, minimalism in metal either works or it doesn't and it usually has just as much, if not more, to do with the imagines conjured, the morbid feelings unearthed, and an aroma of toxicity. GRAVEWURM has been around long enough (1990, to be exact) to make it work to a sufficient, if not exactly head turning, degree. "Blood of the Pentagram", the seventh and final album from the Virginia filth fiends, it is all about steady back beats, gnarly groove riffs, and ungodly croaks over technicality…to the nth degree.

"Blood of the Pentagram" is not destined to afford GRAVEWURM a level of acclaim that has heretofore eluded them (as if they gave a shit anyway),but the ugly, buzzing licks and cadences can get downright catchy at times. Yes, catchy; just not in any kind of civilized, commercially accessible, or socially appropriate sense. In other words, it is bare bones black metal streaked with stains of DM and whether it is the putridly peppy "Goat Command" or the freezing-nuts cold march of "Two Coins for Charon", even a few stragglers from metal's spit-shine polish parade may find themselves unconsciously nodding along; that is, until they realize the "in crowd" is watching from across the mall parking lot. Don't fret; the beating can't go on forever.

It worked for HELLHAMMER, it still works for NUNSLAUGHTER, and for the most part it works on this last stab at stardom for GRAVEWURM. The only problem of note, at least for those standing outside of the diehard compound, is that things can tend to get monotonous and the minimal muscle involved wears a bit thin. It's not enough to require a "pass" when searching through the distro catalogue, but you may be faced with a tougher decision to make in the midst of so many other options. Generally speaking though, you may be surprised at just how dangerous this stuff can be when left around recovering addicts and those of a distinctly young and impressionable mind. Who needs a cigarette?