(The Hell Command)
Total Time: 40:08
WORSEN is the personal project of Rick Contes, a former member of YOUNG AND IN THE WAY, a d-beat / crust black metal band. With WORSEN, Rick wanted to express himself in a more melodic way than his previous band following the MGLA route. That particular route has traps, though. There are great groups that have just been affected, such as the awesome WODE. Others that are very similar to the Polish pioneers but have enough quality not to condemn them, such as UADA and PILLORIAN and ridiculous copycats, such as GROZA, from Germany.
The opening song “Open Grave” puts them straight into the third category. Despite the catchy riff, the song remains a MGLA-clone. Fortunately, in the next 4 tracks things get better, Rick adds a bit more character, more heavy style, more solos, reminding UADA.
The closure of the album has both the best compositions, in my opinion. The awesome, titular song, with beautiful evolution, a variety of themes and nice riffs and “Haunting My Mind”, that last, slow, melancholic, post / doomy song, that leaves the final sweet taste.
“Cursed To Witness Life” is certainly not very original, but it’s a pleasant and easy-to-listen album. Crafted compositions, catchy riffs, modern black metal, melodic but also straight at the same time.
Rating: 6,5/10
LabrosKatsakioris
