Oneiromancer
Apollon, 2020
8/10
One of the most abrasive bands in Norway’s west side, Bismarck know their way around massive riffs, psyche-rock exploration and lighter moments of ambience on the 5 meticulous tracks present here.
“Tahaghghogh Resalat” starts the album with plenty of atmosphere in a haunting display as percussion enters the mysterious setting that’s both apocalyptic and psychedelic, and “Oneiromancer” follows with guttural vocals in the doom metal delivery that’s intimidating and thundering with its dense nature.
The back half of the listen is equally interesting, including the sludge like pace of “Hara” that erupts into a booming and sonically giant explosion of thick metal. “Khthon” exits the listen initially calmer, even meditative, where an atmospheric quality illuminates the tone, but, much like the other tracks, it shifts into ominous and charged metal that’s almost cinematic.
A record with well timed fury and calmer ebbs of adventurousness, while this part of the world is well known for their black metal outfits, Bismarck is more rooted in the doom aspect of hard music, though there’s so many facets to their formula on this very enthralling sophomore record.
Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point; Dead Meadow- The Nothing They Need