Worm Shepherd

Worm Shepherd formed in Michigan around 2013, starting as a duo with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Drew Thomas and drummer Cody Stewart. They built an early following in the underground metal scene with a DIY approach, eventually expanding to include guitarist Ryan Travis and bassist Austin Moore. Their music draws from black metal and death metal traditions, often with atmospheric touches and themes that explore dark or metaphysical concepts.

They've released three full-length albums, beginning with 2017's 'Ritual Hymns' and followed by 'In the Wake of Shadows' in 2019 and 'Conjuring' in 2023. Songs like 'Ritual Hymns' and 'The Emptiness Between Stars' show their preference for heavy, layered arrangements that build tension through shifting dynamics rather than constant aggression.

Some listeners have interpreted their lyrical imagery and occult references as promoting certain ideologies, but the band has described it more as artistic exploration. Their sound avoids straightforward categorization, mixing raw intensity with moments of atmospheric clarity that give their longer compositions room to develop.