Wormwood are a Swedish black metal band and this is their fourth album.
It’s great to have some new Wormwood material out in the wild. 2021’s Arkivet was a notable album, so The Star is one I have been anticipating. Across 47 minutes Wormwood prove that Arkivet was no fluke.
Despite its underwhelming artwork, (which is not at all to my taste), the music itself does not disappoint. Wormwood have clearly put a lot of work and effort into The Star, and it has paid off handsomely. Mixing together elements of atmospheric, melodic, progressive, folk, and post-black metal into an engaging and well-crafted whole, The Star is Wormwood at their most engaging.
If you’re unfamiliar with Wormwood, then a rough starting point would be a mix of bands such as Agalloch, Windir, Kampfar, Keep of Kalessin, and Enslaved. This is very much just to put you in the right mindset for The Star though, as Wormwood have a personality all of their own.
The Star takes the listener through seven movements of soaring epic atmosphere, fluid melodic might, emotive beauty, and despairing moods. All have their place on The Star, as do other expressions of feeling-rich colour, resulting in an album that feels very complete and well-rendered. Each song tells a tale, and uses a variety of blackened voices to do so. An apocalyptic theme lends the music an appropriate gravitas, while the band take the listener on an immersive and affecting journey into the end times.
Well-written and boasting many hooks, ideas, moods, and textures, The Star is a very rewarding record. The songs are emotive and enjoyable, and easily hold the attention throughout their running time. Wormwood have taken their performances and execution to a new level. In terms of songwriting depth and lasting appeal, this is music to become absorbed in. It’s a balance of longevity and instant appeal, because as soon as you listen to The Star you’re hooked, but over time the songs just get better and better.
I wasn’t sure whether Wormwood could live up to the strengths of Arkivet, but I shouldn’t have been concerned. It’s a different album, with its own version of the Wormwood sound, yet its quality levels are easily comparable. If this sort of black metal hits the spot for you, make sure you don’t miss out on The Star.
Wonderbox Metal 