Sandworm
Trails
(Self-Release)
Providence metal duo Sandworm know how to shred. Ben Eberle and Pat Reilly bring copious amounts of energy and angst with each song they play and it’s evident with their debut LP Trails that’s currently out. There’s a thrashing musical foundation melding with bloodcurdling screams and grindcore breakdowns. Eberle and Reilly refuse to put themselves in a box and they fearlessly push the envelope. It’s a refreshing style of metal while a lot of other bands within the genre end up sounding the same.
Recorded back in December 2015 at Machines With Magnets in Pawtucket, RI, the production quality on the album is astounding. Seth Manchester and Keith Souza show why they are two of the most talented studio technicians in the New England region due to their versatility and their ability to capture the perfect range of sound. Eberle and Reilly never slow down as each track goes by and there’s an endless amount of shredding and drum pounding. The intensity is at an immense level and it definitely leaves an impression. Once the play button is pressed, it’ll be easy to tell that the appropriate way to listen to Trails is to have the speakers up to the max.
“Arrival” starts the album off with a rhythmic punch in the face. The drums come in at a feverish pace and the screaming will send shocks to your system. With a thud and a scorching amount of emphasis, “Following The Cries” thrashes its way with reckless abandon from start to finish. Another fast-paced track is “Fury” and it lives up to it’s name in vehement fashion. For a song that’s less than 2 minutes long it surely exudes a plethora of vigor.
The album is an electrifying example of how metal can still be progressed in minimal ways but it still can leave a lasting impression. Sandworm nails that ideal in a fantastic way and it’ll be exciting to see what they’ll put out next.
