doom / sludge
You know, the one thing I regret about founding this website is not having the time to check out everything that comes in. It's something that worries me sometimes. I don't want bands to think that we don't care about their music because that is just not true. Even bands I like and respect get left behind in the massive pile of albums to be reviewed, and Oldd Wvrms are a perfect example of that. I know the band. I reviewed their previous work but somehow their new album never ended up in my media player. That is, until now after rediscovering this amazing doom band last night (read). Today, 'Ignobilis' is on endless repeat.
The album contains four tracks and comes with an excellent amount of variation. Although the entire thing can easily be categorized as doom or sludge metal, you can find heaps of other influences, from ambient over black metal to stoner rock and Black Sabbath's version of blues rock. That, plus Oldd Wvrms have a keyboard player who adds tonnes of atmosphere with his soundscapes and samples. Opener 'Délétère' is probably the most groovy and immersive of the four, thriving on an infectious doom metal riff, one that will get every doomer shaking his head in approval. 'Amongst The Pines' contains a lengthy spoken word track over the bluesy riffs which somehow turns out brilliantly. I'm already sold, but then again, I was already sold yesterday.
'Scorn' blasts out some good old fashioned sludge doom riffs and gloomy clean vocals. Here I'm reminded of acts like Om or Sleep. I don't think those are bad bands to be compared with but in any case, Oldd Wvrms have certainly found their own niche, their own witchcraft inspired sound. The album closes with my second favorite, 'Hear Them Sing While They Burn', my absolute favorite being the opener, 'Délétère'. Oh well, let's just face it. I should have reviewed this album a year ago. Then again, quality always seem to rise above, even through a huge pile of CDs, records and digital releases. So yes, this is absolute quality and comes highly recommended. So cheers and kudos to Oldd Wvrms, another band that harshly proves my point about the sheer quality of Belgian music. We rule!!!
Serge
The album contains four tracks and comes with an excellent amount of variation. Although the entire thing can easily be categorized as doom or sludge metal, you can find heaps of other influences, from ambient over black metal to stoner rock and Black Sabbath's version of blues rock. That, plus Oldd Wvrms have a keyboard player who adds tonnes of atmosphere with his soundscapes and samples. Opener 'Délétère' is probably the most groovy and immersive of the four, thriving on an infectious doom metal riff, one that will get every doomer shaking his head in approval. 'Amongst The Pines' contains a lengthy spoken word track over the bluesy riffs which somehow turns out brilliantly. I'm already sold, but then again, I was already sold yesterday.
'Scorn' blasts out some good old fashioned sludge doom riffs and gloomy clean vocals. Here I'm reminded of acts like Om or Sleep. I don't think those are bad bands to be compared with but in any case, Oldd Wvrms have certainly found their own niche, their own witchcraft inspired sound. The album closes with my second favorite, 'Hear Them Sing While They Burn', my absolute favorite being the opener, 'Délétère'. Oh well, let's just face it. I should have reviewed this album a year ago. Then again, quality always seem to rise above, even through a huge pile of CDs, records and digital releases. So yes, this is absolute quality and comes highly recommended. So cheers and kudos to Oldd Wvrms, another band that harshly proves my point about the sheer quality of Belgian music. We rule!!!
Serge
