Review ENDSEEKER ‘Global Worming’

Hamburg’s death metal institution Endseeker will celebrate their 10th anniversary next year, which proves that we are dealing with an well-established band. The debut album ‘Flesh Hammer Prophecy’ was released in 2017 and two additional albums helped the band to achieve a certain reputation in Germany and the neighboring European countries. With ‘Global Worming’, the fourth effort of the Hamburg band is now released and what immediately catches the eye is the artwork.

Skulls, skeletons and everything kept in black and white; this reminds of the design of the debut and the question is whether the band also musically recalls its roots. The answer is yes and no. Of course, Endseeker have not changed their musical direction and remain true to Scandinavian-inspired death metal.

At the same time, the guys have evolved over the past years, resulting in a wider range of songs on ‘Global Worming’. This is reflected for example in the last song. It is not necessarily a ballad and yet the five-piece shows that the spectrum has been expanded. ‘Nemesis’ starts slow and comes even with an acoustic intro. Rather quickly the down-tuned riffs take over. After a short break the song evolves to a moderate paced anthem that reflects without a doubt the Endseeker trademarks and at the same time offers an unusual catchiness; all in the framework of the band’s typical sound.

With ‘Violence is Gold’ a first song was already released a few weeks ago. It is a pulverizing death metal track with brutal riff power and the aggressive growls of frontman Lenny. This song kicks ass and is a real appetizer for the new album. A second single release followed with ‘Hell is Here’. The track is held in a moderate tempo, but has a stronger groove element built in, which challenges the neck muscles through excessive headbanging. Lyrically, the song can be interpreted more broadly, but lyrics like “Caught in a fire. The world is a pyre. The future’s made of fear” are more relevant than ever

It all starts with the title track and without a warning the song starts right away. No intro or similar sonic frippery disturbs the death metal delight. Rather, it is a crashing riff inferno which blows the listener away immediately. Tempo and uncompromisingness are in the foreground of this wrecking ball which convinces all along the line.

No matter where you drop the needle; it is always well-done death metal songs that resound in your face. The exceptionally long ‘Wheel of Torture’ shines with its musical diversity, which is accompanied by a merciless heaviness. No one vomits out the vocals as good as frontman Lenny. Lyrically the song is about the serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades, also known as ‘The Truck Stop Killer’.

Lyrically less serious is ‘C.B.V.’ and more with a humorous grin on their faces Endseeker serve the fans of splatter lyrics. Musically the song can convince as well. This skull crusher comes across fast and without frills, while the almost crust-like ‘Our Only Life’ is another mosaic in the diversity of ‘Global Worming’.

Endseeker manage with ‘Global Worming’ to top the already very good predecessor. This record contains nine death metal anthems which are even more varied, brutal and at the same time catchy than what you have heard from the guys so far. Their most mature and refined album to date.