This CD sounds a little bit different compared to the previous releases of GRAVEWORM. The band from Southern Tyrol does not choose the safe way playing an album which could be entitled as Engraved In Black Part II. New elements can be heard, this sounds more like Death Metal and it is done very well!

Obviously, the keyboard is no more all-dominating, it is the guitar that rules! The speed is held quite low sometimes, one could think of “Doom” when listening to some tracks. The groove of songs like [n]utopia is fascinating, the vocals of Stefan are more Death Metallic these days, but the singer also uses his screechy voice. Additionally, some effects are used on the voice (Never Enough).

The track Hateful Design is rolling in like an upcoming thunder-storm, the guitar dominates again, some nice melodies, a cool groove – good banging parts for the concerts I suppose! The speed is quite low on this release (exceptions for example last track MCMXCII, sounding a little bit more explosive!) BUT: [n]utopia is not boring, not at all! My preferred songs: relaxed grooving Timeless, swinging Hateful Design and hypnotic [n]utopia. On top of everything, the sound is very transparent and clear, Andy Classen really did a great job in his Stage One Studio!

I am looking forward to some nice concerts (the songs will work on stage perfectly I guess!) and the upcoming development in musical style! Thumbs up, first of all for the quality in music, on the other hand for taking risks!