WYRM CHASM have released their debut album, Wyrm Chasm, on vinyl, CD and digital formats. The Dallas, Texas black metal quartet's eight-track record is available to stream through Bandcamp, according to the announcement supplied by ClawHammer PR.
The band describe the album's approach in their own statement: “We've crafted our eponymous album into a melodic, yet atmospheric release that fully represents our sound and attack.” The accompanying announcement places atmospheric and melodic black metal at the center of that sound, emphasizing riffing, percussion and atmosphere.
Guitarist Eric Carrasco and bassist/vocalist Stephen Jeter formed WYRM CHASM in March 2015. The announced lineup also includes guitarist and backing vocalist Dale Childs and drummer Buddy Griffin. Carrasco and Jeter retain their respective guitar and bass/vocal roles in the quartet.
The album opens with “Netjer,” followed by “Fall of Gaia,” “Throned Entropy” and “Duality of Existence.” Its second half runs through “Majestas,” “Eyes of the Eternal,” “Spiraling Decay” and closing track “Light at the End.” The announcement also supplies videos for “Netjer” and “Throned Entropy,” both identified as songs from the debut.
For listening reference points, the press release names Winterfylleth, Wolves in the Throne Room, Emperor and Mgla. Those comparisons accompany the band's description of the record rather than establish any collaboration or personnel connection.
The release announcement includes review excerpts discussing the album's melodic and atmospheric elements. The Metal Crypt described it as “A textured, ambitious Black Metal sound,” awarding it 4/5, while Occult Black Metal Zine called WYRM CHASM “A great sounding atmospheric and melodic black metal band.”
Tracking took place at Razor Throne Studio in Austin, Texas, with mixing and mastering credited to S.A.M, Studios in Dallas. Mark Erskine of Erskine Designs created the album artwork. The supplied band photograph is credited to HSL Studios.
