Levi Werstler Avalanche of Worms

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by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Avalanche of Worms is the first instrumental release from guitarists Eyal Levi and Emil Werstler. Taking a break from their day gig, with the band Daath, the duo branches out in an explorative nature on the 12-song studio CD release. Joining them are former Daath drummer Sean Reinert, bassist Kevin Scott and Eric Guenther.

Fans instantly will embrace Levi and Werstler branching out and away, if only temporarily, from Daath. Based on Levi and Werstler past history, others may not approach the Avalanche of Worms with the same zeal. Not to say their musicianship was cloaked behind the extreme musical endeavors of Daath, but the music on Avalanche of Worms is more inviting to those who can do without hardcore vocals. The genius of the duo works in their favor. By creating an experimental-progressive-metal instrumental CD that has enough bite to grab the attention of Daath fans while also maintaining enough diversions to draw in traditional instrumental guitar fans.

If you want to pigeon-hole the music presented here into one genre or category, you really can’t. There are so many influences and tonalities being thrown at you that it wouldn’t be fair to say, “This is that genre.” What is apparent is that, both, Levi and Werstler are masters of their instrument of choice. They perform thrash metal rhythms with precision and execute flawless shredding and soloing that features dark scales and neo-classical runs. The music runs the gambit from the extreme to tranquil.

The foundational elements for Levi and Werstler to create their compositions come from drummer Sean Reinert. His style fits the mold of the music and keeps the band honest. Bassist Kevin Scott more than holds his own, while keyboardist and synth player Eric Guenther uses his skills to embellish the music.

Avalanche of Worms is collection of songs best listened to as a whole. Levi and Werstler have written and recorded music that doesn’t fall into the traditional traps and pitfalls of an instrumental guitar-oriented CD. This is not music that relies on a typical 4/4 drum progressions and straight-ahead heavy rock guitar rhythms for the vehicle of delivering the ultimate in shredding guitar solos. This is an instrumental CD in which all elements of the instrumentation lend their own unique voice to the music.

Genre: Progressive Instrumental Metal

Band:
Eyal Levi (g)
Emil Werstler (g)
Sean Reinert (d)
Kevin Scott (b)
Eric Guenther (k)

Track Listing:
1. Noxious Vermin, My Friend
2. Dura Mater
3. Obsidian Fissure
4. Plague House
5. In Amethyst, Through Moldavite
6. Trellis Of Thorns
7. Hollow Thorax Of The Gilded Eye
8. Loathsome Little Fiend
9. Trepanation & Bliss
10. Architectural Necrosis
11. Casting The Molten Sea
12. Chrysalis Wound

Label: Magna Carta

Website: http://www.magnacarta.net/leviwerstler/

Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10