Review: Wormsden - Devotion of the Cursed (2026)
Wormsden’s Devotion of the Cursed (9/10). This Russian Black Metal debut delivers a masterclass in atmospheric aggression and melodic dissonance. Read more!
Band: Wormsden
Album: Devotion of the Cursed
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Russia
Label: Svanrenne Music
Released: January 18, 2026
Introduction:
Emerging from the depths of the Moscow underground, Wormsden has rapidly carved a niche for themselves as purveyors of uncompromising black metal. Formed in recent years by a collective of seasoned veterans from the Russian scene, boasting pedigrees from projects like Majestat and Blackfog, the quintet released their first demo Raising the Citadel in 2024. This was followed by the gritty Dawn of Human Pestilence EP, which acted as a harbinger for their current trajectory. Their recently released debut full-length, Devotion of the Cursed, represents the culmination of this evolution, distilling their sound into a singular, venomous statement.
Track Listing:
- Candle of Black Melancholy
- Dawn of Human Pestilence
- Flowers of Crawling Chaos
- Whirlwind Choir
- Procession to the Funeral Cave
- Nosferion
- Gaith of Cold Blistering Death
The Album:
Devotion of the Cursed is an exercise in stylistic purity, firmly rooted in the frost-bitten traditions of the Finnish and Swedish black metal. From the opening moments of "Candle of Black Melancholy," it is clear that Wormsden is not interested in modern post-black experimentation or avant-garde flourishes. Instead, they offer a masterclass in atmosphere and aggression. The guitar work of Unlight and Graf Akinetos is the album’s centerpiece, weaving melodic yet dissonant leads that evoke the icy majesty of Dissection or early Watain. Tracks like "Whirlwind Choir" showcase the band’s ability to balance breakneck blast beats with soaring, minor-key tremolo picking that feels both triumphant and mournful. Coyote’s vocal performance is particularly striking; his strident, raspy delivery sounds like a desperate transmission from a subterranean crypt, perfectly cutting through the dense wall of sound provided by the rhythm section of Dei Stultus and P.G. Production-wise, the album strikes a difficult balance. It retains a raw edge necessary for the genre's authenticity but is clear enough to allow the intricacies of the dual-guitar harmonies in "Flowers of Crawling Chaos" to shine. The closing track, "Gait of Cold Blistering Death," serves as the record's peak, a sprawling, mid-tempo march that gradually accelerates into a chaotic frenzy, leaving the listener in a state of cold exhaustion.
Conclusion:
Devotion of the Cursed is a formidable debut that succeeds by honoring the foundations of black metal without feeling like a mere imitation. Wormsden has perfectly captured the essence of the second-wave, delivering an album that is as atmospheric as it is violent. Its greatest strength lies in its songwriting; beneath the layers of grime and distortion are memorable hooks and a cohesive vision that marks Wormsden as vital new addition to the Russian black metal scene and a band to keep eyes on.
BMZ rating: 9 out of 10
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