CoC : Graveworm - Engraved in Black : Review

Graveworm - _Engraved in Black_
(Nuclear Blast, 2003)
by: Jackie Smit (6.5 out of 10)

Listening to Graveworm's latest effort, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you'd fallen asleep and awoke back in 1996. Certainly, if Graveworm had their way, then that would surely have been the case, as the music on offer on their Nuclear Blast debut doesn't sound at all unlike Cradle of Filth's _Dusk... and Her Embrace_ and Dimmu Borgir's _Enthrone Darkness Triumphant_. It should also then come as no surprise to learn that Sarah Jezebel Deva herself at one point collaborated with the band -- though unfortunately her efforts weren't captured on this, their fourth full-length record. To be honest, Andy Classen's outstanding production job probably makes this band sound a notch better than they really are, but it's hard to deny the instant appeal of songs like "Legions Unleashed" or "Abhorence". Likewise, the overall feel of the record is captured well by the group's tight and corrosive performance. The problem is that we've seen this all done before -- and executed with greater flair -- by a fair amount of other acts, who have mostly now moved on to greater heights. That said however, Graveworm's latest attempt sounds a hell of a lot more convincing than the new Cradle of Filth, so if that's your musical tipple, then you might be well served to give these guys a look.

(article published 17/6/2003)

ALBUMS
16/8/2009	A Lineker	7	Graveworm - Diabolical Figures
31/5/2005	A McKay	8.5	Graveworm - (N)utopia

GIGS
26/12/2003	J Smit	Deicide / Destruction / Nile / Akercocke / Dew-Scented / Graveworm / Misery Index	Redemption at the Palace