Elder Devil – Everything Worth Loving (Review)

This is the second album from US sludge metal/grindcore band Elder Devil.

Here we are then – 33 minutes of nasty sludgy grind to clear away the cobwebs. It’s not pretty, but it’s certainly brutal. Elder Devil know how to produce an engaging slab of aggressive hostility.

The promo blurb states that Rotten Sound, Trap Them and Eyehategod were all influences for Everything Worth Loving, and this is a good introduction to what you’ll find here. In other words, this is not one-dimensional grindcore, and takes strengths from a few different overlapping styles of abrasive heaviness to produce a record that’s both intense and compelling.

The songs are merciless examples of how to blend grindcore intensity with sludge metal heaviness and hardcore appeal. An effective range of crushing moods, harsh riffs, and furious violence are displayed across these 13 songs, ably demonstrating Elder Devil’s songwriting ability. Although blast beats are present as you would want them to be, the band don’t rely on these or hide behind them. Instead, it’s clear that Elder Devil have paid attention to the structure, pacing, and dynamics of these songs. The five-minute doom monolith of Insomnia is a prime example of Elder Devil’s ability to not just play fast and murderous, but it’s not the only one by far.

Everything Worth Loving is a very satisfying and enjoyable album. It’s a well-judged distillation of what makes grindcore, hardcore, and sludge so good. Elder Devil attack their material with passion and enthusiasm, and Everything Worth Loving is an album to definitely spend time with if you’re a fan of these styles.

Very highly recommended.