Review : LEVI/WERSTLER – “Avalanche of Worms”

Levi/Werstler – Avalanche of Worms
released April 20, 2010 on Magna Carta Records

Rating: 4/5

As I made my way through Avalanche of Worms, I kept asking myself why Dååth guitarists Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler felt the need to record an instrumental album. Perhaps they wanted to further demonstrate their prowess to the Metal world, as they branch beyond their largely-thrash underpinnings into progressive territory. They enlist the help of keyboardist Eric Guenther – and more notably drummer Sean Reinert of Cynic – to achieve this goal.

The guitar duo spent their career in Dååth (pre-The Concealers) alongside a keyboardist, but the purpose on this album is more atmospheric than industrial. Guenther (From Exile) generates continuity in a way that does not draw direct attention, allowing the listener to focus on the impressive riffs. However, the ace-in-the-hole is Reinert, who only seems to improve as the years roll on.

The whole of Avalanche of Worms bleeds together. Depending on perspective, and whether or not you have 41 minutes to kill, this is either a good thing or a bad thing. After a couple of spins, you can recall where the more complete songs are, and skip connecting tracks like “Trellis of Thorns” or “Trepanation and Bliss” (though they serve the album well).

Levi and Werstler needed Avalanche of Worms. Most good musicians draw inspiration from a variety of backgrounds. Metal artists sometimes miss their opportunity to record music outside of their known sphere, but thankfully, these guys answered the knock.

FCC OK
Try 1, 2, 8, 11

01. Noxious Vermin, My Friend
02. Dura Mater
03. Obsidian Fissure
04. Plague House
05. In Amethyst, Through Moldavite
06. Trellis of Thorns
07. Hollow Thorax of the Gilded Eye
08. Loathsome Little Fiend
09. Trepanation and Bliss
10. Architectural Necrosis
11. Casting the Molten Sea
12. Chrysalis Wound