Leave it to the West Coast to produce some of the most heralded metal bands in the last few years.  Whether it is San Francisco (Hammers of Misfortune and Slough Feg), Olympia (Sedan and Christian Mistress), or Portland (Agalloch), the region has been the go-to place for good metal bands. So it should stand that Worm Ouroboros deserves some of the love that the other West Coast acts have gotten in recent years, and with their sophomore album Come the Thaw, they certainly stand out, and that’s saying something.

Worm Ouroboros is comprised of Lorraine Rath (Amber Asylum), Jessica Way (Barren Harvest, World Eater), and Aesop Dekker (Agalloch), and judging by the bands each has been involved in, the Worm Ouroboros sound is taken from all of the above. Though their sound on Come the Thaw is closer to the quiet, almost hypnotic atmosphere of Amber Asylum, it is the addition of Dekker on drums that makes Come the Thaw a unique listening experience. On the surface, one would expect the hard-hitting blast beats that he has been known for with bands such as Agalloch and Ludicra, but with Worm Ouroboros the listener gets to hear a softer, more controlled side to him, as his publicly stated jazz and blues influences come to the forefront on Come the Thaw.

The drumming is not the only thing that is allowed to shine, as the other aspects of Worm Ouroboros get their chance to illuminate. What makes Come the Thaw an experience on its own is the ethereal vocals of both Way and Rath, as evidenced on songs such as “Ruined Ground” and “When we are Gold.” There are no overpowering aspects on the album, as it all comes together nicely to create an all-encompassing beauty that is only matched by the cover art. It is a solid change of pace from their regional counterparts, so don’t set unreasonable expectations if this is your first time listening to Worm Ouroboros.

Worm Ouroboros has been getting some recognition on the West Coast, and with Come the Thaw, the recognition will surely spread to the rest of the country. The trio provides a unique take on doom metal that is also a sharp contrast to just about everything metal music has to offer.  Atmosphere and mood are the band’s calling cards; they do it well, and it all comes together on Come the Thaw.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Ruined Ground
2.  Further Out
3.  Release Your Days
4.  When We are Gold
5.  Withered
6.  Penumbra

Total playing time:  50:42

Release Date: March 9, 2012
Label: Profound Lore Records

Worm Ouroboros - Come the Thaw

Reviewer: Peter

April 11, 2012