Dreamworm – The Journey EP
Dreamworm – The Journey EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 26/01/24
Running Time: 16:29
Review by Oli Gonzalez
7/10
“The idea of the Dreamworm started a few years ago during a period of my life when I was homeless, temporarily”. Words from frontman, guitarist, and overall creative force Tom Lee Christen, describing where the inspiration for the band came from. Demonstrating how beauty can sometimes emerge from hardship, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. A new band for me, a modern metal band stemming from Melbourne, Australia, citing influences such as Static X, Tool, and Fear Factory. As such, I was anticipating an Industrial and Progressive sound on “The Journey”, the band’s up and coming EP. Let’s get straight into it!
The EP opens with ‘Dissolve’. Here, it’s clear to see the Tool influence, especially in the vocal line, where Tom delivers a melancholic style vocal reminiscent of Maynard Keenan. The production values stand out to me and are certainly respectable, especially for a self-released effort! The subtle use of background synths add a much welcome depth and dimension to the overall sound, while the presence of crushing guitar riffs add another focal point to Dreamworm’s overall audio repertoire. A good start I’d say.
If the Tool influence was clear in the previous song, the Fear Factory edge is certainly prominent in both ‘Tranceform’ and ‘Lightspeed’. This is achieved with some absolutely bone-crunching guitar tones, while the use of synths is much more salient, providing a melodic centrepiece! Some of the guitar leads towards the backend of the ‘Lightspeed’ are absolutely blazing and definitely worth getting your ears on.
For me, Dreamworm save their best for last, with ‘Lost’. This number is somewhat more melancholic and emotionally charged in early parts. The song gradually increases in intensity, with the subtle introduction of harsher background vocals earlier on. These later become unmissable though and barge their way to the forefront of the mix, combining with some exponentially heavier breakdowns in the mid-section. This gives the song an overall modern Metalcore flavour and thus another tool in Dreamworm’s sound. The song closes with a plethora of blazing lead guitar solos that command attention and respect, finishing the song and EP on a high.
Overall, a respectable effort. What could be made better? Tom, sorry to single you out, but at times his vocals do sound a little thin in the mix and not as commanding as I’d like. I’m unsure if this is a production or technique issue – or both – but it certainly is the weakest link in this chain for me. Perhaps a little brief, as another song would give a better indication of what Dreamworm are all about. “The Journey” is certainly a valiant effort though and a record that grows in strength as it progresses. The best is yet to come from Dreamworm but this is promising.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Dissolve
02. Tranceform
03. Lightspeed
04. Lost
LINE-UP:
Chris – Bass
Rick – Guitar
Mike – Drums
Tom – Guitars and Vocals
LINKS:
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