Although contains 14 tracks, Wormrot's debut EP,
Dead, is less than 13 minutes of music. Yes, basically it is straight-forward and fast-paced grind at its uttermost signification. And most of the tracks do not even reach one minute duration, included a five-second track entitled "Castrate Matrep", which people and music critics often consider as micro-song. In the case of the band's musical journey, endeavors, this EP arguably is important release in their discography, because before Wormrot signed under notable Europe-based label, Earache Records,
Dead has already become something like a tool to build and establish their early reputation among Southeastern Asia grind enthusiasts.
Honestly, though album's production quality is nowhere near to the top notch, however this mini-album could be said a small first step that led them to conquer Southeastern Asia regional metal scenes – surely, Wormrot successfully did it. Also, through this release, the fans should know that Wormrot's style blueprint (partly) lies within this early work material. In fact, a few songs of this EP were included in their 2009's full-length debut album,
Abuse. What is more, to compare
Dead to
Abuse - like or dislike - may be a fair way to observe this EP carefully. When you take a look at those two stuffs, especially in the side of musicality and lyrical concept or theme both of them are relatively similar - either in the atmosphere, flavor, or even aggressiveness/catchiness. Perhaps, only production quality and a little bit different vocal approach which distinguished between the two releases.
Abuse undoubtedly is a much more polished than
Dead. However, it does not mean this EP so that terrible in production quality. Yes, it's okay to say
Dead's sound quality pretty raw, but when you listen to it patiently you probably will agree it is not so that annoying; it is still quite hearable and enjoyable! Moreover, unlike Wormrot's then-releases, lead vocalist Arif seemed intentionally to give a more balanced portion of heavy growl (typical brutal death vocalists) beside his frenetic high-pitched scream. But, listening to both albums in just one spin, such a case is strongly discernible.
Well, now the conclusion. This EP is a good start of Wormrot’s musical endeavor.
Dead means a lot, not only to the band but also their fans. Talking about Wormrot without citing
Dead, it is like talking about the current Italian ‘Azzuri’ team without citing Alessandro Diamanti or Leonardo Bonucci. So, that why this EP is strongly recommended to any fan of this extreme music genre!
