Dream Unending / Worm – Starpath
Dream Unending / Worm – Starpath
20 Buck Spin
Running Time: 44:49
Release Date: 24/11/23
Review by Laura Barnes
9/10
In all the descriptions of Black Metal that are out there, there’s been one that’s really stuck with me. It was Tom Dare, I think, who said something like “Black Metal has one foot in hell, one foot the earth, and arches out into space”. With this split release, Dream Unending and Worm work together to explore each of these plains. “Starpath” is a strange album: its sound is constantly shapeshifting, moulding itself into something different with each track. As soon as you think you’ve got it all figured out, it will once again transform into something completely new.
Dream Unending aren’t a band to hold your hand. They kick this album off with twelve minutes of Doom-infused introspection with ‘So Many Chances’, a track that quickly develops legs that wander towards a mellow Psychedelic landscape. Guitarist Derrick Vella does some fantastic work here, weaving melodies and solos that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Jimi Hendrix album. That’s not to say it’s all LSD and rainbows, though – Justin DeTore’s harsh vocals ensure that Dream Unending never stray too far from the Doom that makes up the band’s core. ‘If Not Now When’ continues Dream Unending’s work in a similar vein, and is reminiscent of early Katatonia in its slow pace and misty, sombre atmosphere. Needless to say, this perhaps doesn’t make for easy, accessible listening. The length, repetition and meandering nature of the tracks may cause an inattentive listener to drift, but for those who appreciate music that is challenging, transcendent and unique, Dream Unending’s contribution to “Starpath” is the sonic equivalent of stargazing.
Worm, however, don’t seem to care for the stars. While Dream Unending reach up into the skies above, Worm sink their claws into the earth and dig their way to hell. It is so rare, nowadays, to encounter Black Metal that sounds genuinely evil, but there’s something about Worm that chills me right to the bone. Perhaps it’s the production – it’s raw, messy, and echoes in all the right places, like it was recorded live from Dracua’s dungeon. Or perhaps it’s the synths and organs, which lend the music a grandiose, malevolent quality. Or perhaps it is just the sheer magnitude of the compositions and melodies, with layer upon layer of guitars, vocals and drums creating a labyrinth of sound impossible to escape. Whatever it is, it makes for an unforgettable listen. ‘Ravenblood’, ‘Midwinter Tears’ and ‘Sea of Sorrow’ are the perfect soundtrack for a sinister winter.
Dream Unding and Worm aren’t the most obvious combination for a split album, but “Starpath” reveals that they are two sides of the same coin. Both bands make music that is daring, unique, and seek out the coldest corners of human imagination. Winter approaches; get ready.
TRACKLISTING:
01. So Many Chances (Dream Unending)
02. If Not Now When (Dream Unending)
03. Ravenblood (Worm)
04. Midwinter Tears (Worm)
05. Sea of Sorrow (Worm)
LINE-UP:
DREAM UNENDING:
Justin DeTore – Hands of the Earth
Phil Swanson – The Heart’s Desire
Derrick Vella – Eyes of the World
WORM:
Phantom Slaughter – Guitars, Vocals, Synth
Wroth Septentrion – Guitar, Necromantic Shred
Necreon – Bass
L. Dusk – Drums
LINKS:
Dream Unending:
Worm:
20 Buck Spin:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Laura Barnes and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
