Florida’s own Death and Doom Metal entity returns with the sequel to the epic psychedelic saga that started in their debut album, an odyssey for the adventurous listener, and a deathly riff journey into the outer cosmos.
Hailing from Gainesville, Florida, the ruthless Death/Doom Metal entity Wharflurch left the Death Metal world hanging at the end of their 2021 debut Psychedelic Realms ov Hell, with the protagonist of the first album being lost in a fungal haze of disillusionment at the album’s conclusion. They return with the sequel to the epic psychedelic saga, Mycodeath and Rebirth in the Outer Clusters, another concept album continuing the story, placing our “hero” at the precipice of an incredible journey to the furthest regions of our universe. A true Sci-Fi epic of world-building and conceptualization, the new offering by vocalist and guitarist Myk Colby, and vocalist and drummer John Mamo (with guest appearances by Garrett Alvarado, frontman for Maul, on vocals as the voice of the “Sporelords,” and Jamie Stewart, throat shredder for The Abscence, Party Time, and Hot Graves, doing narratives and guest vocals on quite a few songs) places the listener at a vantage point to interpret interplanetary life as ventures of this secret race of mycelial beings who control the life force of galaxies with a hidden hand.
A cosmic intro quickly evolves into a prog death feast led by the scathing riffs by Myk titled Death Toll Horror while John pounds his drums nonstop, resulting in a ruthless start to the sonic voyage crafted by the duo; followed by Forgotten Temple, as intricate as it is demonic, with the duo hammering our heads mercilessly with their gruesome vocals and striking guitar lines, all boosted by an ethereal background. Their old school Death Metal vein pulses harder than ever in Non Zero Expanse, with John dictating the pace with his cadaverous beats and fills, and they continue their otherworldly journey with the Progressive Death Metal attack titled Headless God, again showcasing those Cannibal Corpse-infused riffs we all love so much.
It takes a while for Dimensional Parasite to really take off, but when it does it offers more of the band’s trademark blend of Death Metal. It could have been a little faster, though. Then again presenting a wild blend of progressiveness with harsh, visceral sounds we have The Leaving Orbs, where John is once again flawless behind his drums accompanied by the whimsical guitars by Myk, followed by Revelations ov the Spore Lords, heavy and obscure from the very first second, alternating between doom-laden Death Metal moments and bursts of sheer savagery. And lastly, we’re treated to Mycodeath and Rebirth / Awakening the Emissary, an expansive instrumental outro that feels like the ending scene and credits of a Sci-Fi movie.
Embraced by the sinister, otherworldly artwork by American artist Claw//Eight, Mycodeath and Rebirth in the Outer Clusters is definitely a must-listen for fans of the craziest form of Death and Doom Metal, and you can find more details about such a demented duo on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, and purchase the album from the Personal Records’ BandCamp or webstore (or click HERE for all things Wharflurch). In the end, Mycodeath and Rebirth in the Outer Clusters is more than just an album of heavy music. It’s an odyssey for the adventurous listener, a deathly riff journey into the outer cosmos, where our destiny has been foretold by beings who treat our planet as a failed.
Best moments of the album: Forgotten Temple, Non Zero Expanse and Revelations ov the Spore Lords.
Worst moments of the album: Dimensional Parasite.
Released in 2026 Personal Records/Gurgling Gore/Dawnbreed
Track listing
1. Death Toll Horror 4:10
2. Forgotten Temple 6:18
3. Non Zero Expanse 4:32
4. Headless God 5:08
5. Dimensional Parasite 5:21
6. The Leaving Orbs 5:42
7. Revelations ov the Spore Lords 6:15
8. Mycodeath and Rebirth / Awakening the Emissary 8:28
Band members
Myk Colby – vocals, guitars, synthesizers
John Mamo – vocals, drums
Guest musicians
Garrett Alvarado – vocals
Jamie Stewart – vocals, narration
