When you think of the word 'wormed', especially in a brutal death metal context, you might automatically want to think of the earthbound creatures or of intestinal parasites. Few would think the origin of this band's name would come from an idea that lead throat Phlegeton had about human beings being 'wormed', or cornered, in the universe. Actually, this only grazes the cosmic complexity of the album at hand...an album that touches on such celestial topics as the big bang, interstellar light, and the space-time continuum.

Planisphaerium can either be thought of as an inoffensive gateway drug to other brutal bands that actually sing about brutal topics, or it can be thought of as a conscious escape from them. Either way you look at it, though, this album will mulch you into human woodchips and scatter your remains throughout the universe. This is one of those rare brutal DM albums that owns both groove and enough technicality to remove it from pedestrian status.

What it is both thoroughly punishing and just plain fun. What it isn't an album that takes itself too seriously. When you hear Phlegeton doing all that space belching (Listen to the acapello moment on "Geodesic Dome"), and you notice some breakdowns here and there, you can't help but laugh. Seriously, Planisphaerium is just as good for exercising your funny bone as it is for a serious listen. It has gotten me through many boring times.

To boot, this album has great production and I don't think I've heard the drums and bass ring so clearly in this kind of music in quite some time. Did I mention that Andy C. is a complete madman behind the kit? If you like loud, brutal, demented music and you don't already own this, you may shoot yourself now.

Tracklisting:
1. Tunnel of Ions (3:29)
2. Geodesic Dome (3:39)
3. Voxel Mitosis (3:56)
4. Fragments (0:14)
5. Ylem (3:36)
6. Planisphaerium (4:03)
7. Pulses in Rhombus Forms (3:04)
8. Dehydrating (3:09)