Orm - s/t

Melodic black metal by its name is almost a paradox by definition.  Many a trve kvltist would argue that black metal was never mean't to be accessible let alone melodic, yet it is fair to say that a lot of my BM collection gives a firm nod of recognition to the more melodious aspects of the genre.

Orm now join that group in my collection with their frankly superb debut full length.  The album starts immediately with no requirement for an intro deemed necessary as "Blood Of Your Blood" attacks the listener like a marauding horde of pillaging vikings.  Immediate though it is to start as it builds as a track it does so intelligently, pacing itself well and adjusting tempo appropriately enough to hold the ear throughout its seven minutes plus runtime.  There's black vocals throughout this opening track but as it draws to a close there's a choral backing vocal tempered perfectly in the atmosphere of the music.

As the track closes it uses harrowing riffs in an almost death/doom style to underline a great start to proceedings.

"Ancient Echoes" ramps up the epic feel that develops as you listen to this record with each track becoming a natural progression from the previous.  There's a clear emphasis on well constructed and contemplated song structures aided by solid instrumentation that manages to show off ability without ever becoming smothering or confusing.  Check out the folky tremolo a couple of minutes into the second track that quickly gives way to furious blastbeats and harsh abrasive vocals.


By the time I got to "Temple Of The Deaf" I was wondering how much longer the strength of the release could last as the majesty just keeps on growing, and thankfully the strength of Orm rarely wanes.  In fact the final two tracks are two of the strongest I have heard in a long time.  Despite the melodic edge to proceedings it still feels grim beneath the perhaps over egged production, like at it's very core there's still a vile and virulent parasite that has coupled with some very expressive and adept organism that is helping channel the darkness with a real sense of intensity and yet an overarching impression of skill also.

Whether it is the atmospheric choral accompaniments,  the memorable riffs or the melodic arrangements that capture you there's plenty here to keep you engaged even through some of the longer tracks.  With most music there is a lot of rehashing done but here there's no redefining of a genre, but at the same time there's no copying out of copying's sake either.  It is a great example of a dark art done very well.  There's some aural magic at play here indeed.

Digital and vinyl copies available here.

5/5

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