By Kara Hinman
Book of the Worm is an intense album. It’s very mathematical, yet it’s super dark and drudgy. It’s a calculated experience! It is a tad different than HOD’s other full length album, Serpent. But it sounds like they have really taken the last few years to really nail down their sound.
The guitar solo in 'Death Whore' is definitely short, but it’s the perfect break up to their growls and tough riffs. Speaking of growls, I am really digging the vocals on this album. I think it’s not too black metal and it’s not too death metal – it’s perfect for HOD’s sound. I also really think the mixing on this album was done very well. You can hear each musician’s part – the bass, the drums, the guitar, and one is not drowning out the other.
‘Beneath the Mountains of the Scorpion’ is the last song, and I think they put it there on purpose. It’s definitely my favorite song. The black metal like guitar really gets me going, and the breaks make me want to get up out of my chair and throw some fists. Maybe even headbang a little.
All in all, this is a great blackened death metal album and the recording is very professional, too. I can see this album being a huge influence to other bands in the scene.
Similar artists, yet a bit different, are: Necropsy, GOATWHORE, Destroyer 666, and Marduk (but more death metal-esq). So if you are a fan of death metal with a hint of black, definitely check out HOD’s Book of the Worm.
