WORM SHEPHERD “Dawn of the Iconoclast”

Unique Leader Records, February 20, 2026

Genre: Symphonic Death Metal

Duration: 24.29

Country: U.S.A.

Cool Songs: “Feast,” “The Omen,” “Whispers of a Buried Land”

First of all, I downloaded this promo thinking it was the Black Metal band, WORM. Then I noticed it was a band called WORM SHEPERD. I have not heard them before, so I gave it a listen. Because they are a Deathcore band, I would have never given them a chance since I abhor Deathcore. However, the group’s new EP “Dawn of the Iconoclast” doesn’t start with breakdowns. It starts with angelic choirs. This heavenly part immediately caught my attention to the point of not minding the breakdowns once they come into the mix. In fact, the breakdowns are excellent. I find my head bobbing to their slamming grooves.

WORM SHEPHERD’s diversity of sound really keeps their music interesting. Their breakdowns serve the purpose of the mosh. If this were played in a live setting, I guarantee the crowd would get moving. The group knows how to step down the tempo and when to speed up. Although the drums contain a triggered sound, drummer Leo McClain’s kick drums move at a dizzying rate. In fact, the group often highlight his double bass as a fill in during lull points. Sure, there are breakdown grooves, which should be expected, but the group breaks them down to almost a standstill with single notes carrying segments. Parts of the album approach Doom Metal tempos. Keys follow these slow parts too, creating epic atmospheres. The final track, “Whispers of a Buried Land,” is the perfect example of their atmosphere building. This track starts with a minor melody accompanied by a haunting choir. The music is set into motion with hard grooves and the track’s speed seems to come out of nowhere. Placed at the end of the album, this song is their strongest showing, their most epic opus clocking in at over seven minutes.

Another aspect of “Dawn of the Iconoclast” that works well are the vocals. Ian Smith has an abysmally low voice. Pig squeals are annoying, but Smith never quite belts out a pig squeal. At certain points, he gets close, but never truly squeals. Just like the step down in tempo, he lowers his voice register to a point of non-comprehension. His voice is absolutely putrid, like he’s vomiting his own intestines. Sure, there are some higher, scream-like vocals (see THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), but he incorporates this style in all the right places.

I never thought I would praise a Deathcore band, but WORM SHEPHERD is an entity all of their own. From tempo changes to sick vocals to symphonic and choir elements, “Dawn of the Iconoclast” is a solid EP. Fans of bands as diverse as FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, DIMMU BORGIR, WHITECHAPEL and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER should take notice.

Tracklist:

Feast

Sanctified Rot

Soulless Lament

The Omen

Whispers of a Buried Land

Line-up:
Tre Perdue – Guitars, Orchestration
Leo McClain – Drums
Thomas O’Malley – Bass
Harry Tadayon – Guitars, Orchestration
Ian Smith – Vocals

Rating: 7.5/10