John Cooke stays busy. Between his time with Napalm Death, Venomous Concept, Anaal Nathrakh and his own Corrupt Moral Altar, it’s amazing that Cooke has time to eat, let alone start more projects, but that’s just what he did. Lair of the White Worm sees Cooke explore new sonic territory alongside his bandmate, Vagrant Studios owner Tom Dring, also of Corrupt Moral Altar, and vocalist Chris Reese.
Their debut EP is firmly indebted to the likes of Godflesh, Ministry and Killing Joke, influences Cooke and co. wear on their sleeves on songs like “Bankrupt Mortality.” It’s a far cry from the work that listeners know the members of the Lair of the White Worm from, but the trio succeed on their own merit here.
“The first Lair of the White Worm EP has been in the works for many years between tours, and sometimes written while on tour,” Cooke explains. “Especially after covid hit, it has been a way for me to deal with the last 18 months at home and try to turn a negative into a positive.”
Watch the video for “Bankrupt Morality” below. Lair of the White Worm is out on October 15 via Trepanation Recordings and APF Records. Pre-order here.
