Review: "Eat the Weak" Album by Crossworm
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An industrial edge to furious hip-hop flows makes the “Eat The Weak” album a truly powerful statement showing off Crossworm’s sheer intensity. By far the heart and soul of the album comes from the fire of Crossworm’s words.
Done as a mixture of narrative, poignant observation, and poetry, the album consumes the listener whole. Volume is a must for there is a sense of righteous anger that deserves to be absolutely felt. The arrangements draw from a heavy colossal gesture, incorporating hip-hop, industrial, noise, all with a great emphasis on aggression. Indeed, it is impossible to look away for the vocals have a commanding presence. Never rushed atmosphere proves to be the trick with brutal, harsh riffs alongside crushing rhythms.
Sonically, Crossworm draws from a select few. In terms of sheer strength of the sound Crossworm’s spirit is similar to Death Grips’ insistence on unflinching observation. Much of the style also brings early Nine Inch Nails into the streaming mix. Akin to Nine Inch Nails, there is an incredible focus on sculpting the sound for sheer emotional impact. When these two influences are brought together, Crossworm’s seething sensory experience becomes undeniably potent.
Not a moment is wasted for “Like Them” sets the tone for what follows, with a clear-eyed focus leading the way. Eerie spacious minimalism adds to the discomfort of the creepy melodies of “There’s Something Wrong With Me”. Percussion intermingles and is woven together on the anxious metallic nightmare of “On High”. Strangely infectious with its spaced-out riffs is the insistent groove of “Into The Ether”.
Cryptic lyricism worms its way through on the electro-influenced tact of “Don’t Tell Me”. By far one of the highlights of the album, “It’s Okay”, offers a pulsing, driving tempo as the song brings a bit of Krautrock’s motorik grooves. A grand buildup occurs with “What It Means To Be Me”. Unique dub effects emerge on the surreal title track “Eat The Weak”. Allowing for a bit of the dramatic is the sprawling scope of the finale “If I Ever See You Again”, featuring Red Eye God.
Grand Rapids, MI based artist and producer Crossworm deliver urgent observations with the bleak poetic lyricism of the “Eat The Weak” album.