Woccon - "The Wither Fields" ...

Woccon is a melodic doom/death metal band from Athens, Georgia. It was started by multi-instrumentalist, Tim Rowland(ex-Peregrine,Sholfrost), in January of 2011 and was later joined by Tiler Kuykendall, Wade Jones, and Sam Dunn. Their first 4 track demo was recorded and self released in March of 2011 titled, Through Ancestral Fires, which featured Ryan Morgan of Misery Signals performing guest vocals. In February of 2012 Woccon recorded their first EP titled, The Wither Fields, which would soon be available as a self release. As of May 2012, Woccon has been in the studio writing and recording their début full-length (currently untitled) and are in the process of looking for a label to contract with for the début album and future releases. Writing a review after a long time; it is personally very satisfying to review a Band like Woccon; more so since I am a great follower of Melodic Doom/Death Bands. “Day light dies” comes to my mind, when I listen to Woccon as there is a lot of similarities in the music.

Woccon’s EP titled The Wither Fields is a quality EP to dig into. The opening track “Our Ashes” starts off with a superb rhythm section which moves into melodic waves to a give a start which is much expected out of a band that falls in the category of Doom death. The drumming has good double blast structures with some good variation. The highlight of the track is the way the guitar structure is laid on each other. It is simply mind-blowing!  The following track “Shattered mirrors” is another track which has a lot of blast beats and good lead parts with some good strumming of guitar in between which makes the music very interesting. The vocals are thick and powerful.

The track “A Failing Devotion” (featuring Lili Le Bullet of Drakkara) starts with female vocals and moves on to Death vocals with a doom-y feel attached to it. It is a mid paced song with screaming rhythm guitars. The final track “Lament” is a perfect example for a doom-y song, which is very melodic and mid-paced. A perfect ending to the EP!!! All the 4 tracks are very different from each other. Hence, no reason to get bored!!! This EP The Wither Fields is a rewarding listen that really does well to draw the listener in and keep the interest alive till the very last note. Musically this EP sounds sorrowful at every turn. This sorrowful sound is captured brilliantly as the guitars, bass and drums all play a part in making these songs unquestionably heavy but with dashes of dark melody. It creates a melancholic sound that will have you hooked from the first lengthy song.  It is very doom at times which reminds us of “Swallow the sun” band.

The production is really good and their Artwork is very striking. I can’t wait enough for Woccon’s full length album in future. Seek The Wither Fields, if you want something a little more meaningful. You will be left speechless! A masterpiece that will find demand amongst fans of old Katatonia and Daylight Dies. Go get it!!!

Words: Mahesh

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