Metalcatto
There are many bands named Worm, Wormed, or something like that. I can’t keep track. They also don’t tend to have artwork that looks straight out of 1995. To make matters more difficult Foreverglade is a hard act to follow. Hence, I was ready to skip Worm. However, you people online, with your unqualified hype, convinced me to give this album a chance even if I’m late. So here I am, trying to see if your taste changes my mind.
Can you believe these guys are from Florida? If you told me this thing was from Norway or even Hungary, I’d have an easier time believing it. This is basically Symphonic Black/Death Metal without all the corny stuff, delivered with excellent musicianship. Worm can impress you with its shredding but also with an atmosphere that honors those classic Symphonic albums from the 90s. It’s not the usual retro stuff we get, but it’s surely something we need. I can’t believe this is the same band behind Foreverglade!
The production leans vintage, but what truly surprised me about Necropalace is that the songwriting and the band’s technical skills sit way above what we usually find in the subgenre. As in, Dimmu Borgir could learn from these guys. This subgenre is so full of mid riffing that I had a hard time containing my excitement when those brutal guitar solos elevated the tracks to unseen heights. So, how can I criticize this epic endeavor?
The album is already sold out, I hate you all!
Well, this is my only real criticism. Despite not being a Prog band, Worm does its best to make songs with a ton of sequences, interludes, and shredding. The album feels long, and though much of what we get here is high quality vampire Metal, it can be work to digest so much content. You’ll need a pinch of patience to be fully rewarded by this Gothic rendition.
Worm has made a fascinating statement. One that defies expectations but at the same time remains loyal to an era of Metal I thought was more dead than Disco. Take away the cringe synth and vocals from those old records, add serious synth and serious vocals, and you’ll get what Necropalace is going for. It’s nothing short of spectacular. By the way, it easily has the best album closing track we’ve had this year—two words: Marty Friedman, enough said. Finally, an album that offers a true challenge this year.
Label: Century Media
Release date: February 13, 2026
Website: https://wormgloom.bandcamp.com/album/necropalace-24-bit-hd-audio
Country: USA
Score: 4.2/5.0 (punching its way to the top 10!)
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