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Omega Massif - Karpatia

posted by: maurice on 17 August 2011

Denovali

It took four long years after 'Geisterstadt' before 'Karpatia' was finally released. The nice digipack is covered with green photography of a desolate landscape full of trees and mountains, and in this format these Germans present their desolate and instrumental heaviness. Call it Post Metal or Post Rock, the brilliant melodies and the dynamics in the heavy music are what makes Omega Massif impressive.

Contrary to the earlier material, this beast is a bit darker and you only discover the melodies behind a thick curtain of fog. Omega Massif drew inspiration from mountains (hence all their artwork including this one and the title 'Karpatia') and this heavy monumental music has an immense feeling similar to a couple of heavy rocks.

Just as in the mountains can be foggy, so it is with the subtle details in OM’s music: it takes some time to find the treasures. When they finally reach your mind the intense feeling is higher than mountain tops. Listen to “Aura” and experience how this dark song is built up towards a massive end including a breathtaking melody. The song is close to their classic “Unter Null”. Next up “Wölfe” is fast and short and feels like a bulldozer driving all over you.

Heavy, solid and dark are the right words for “Urus Arctos” and the beginning of “Im Karst”. Finally, a melody again shines through the woods of Omega Massif. In this song a subtle rest is also built in before going all out again. The quartet understands how important a dynamical interaction for heavy instrumental music is. Closing off with an immense heavy riff, this song is just as good as old Isis’ back catalogue.

With the convincing “Steinernes Meer” Omega Massif ends this ride through the mountains. Once again the decision to use German words with a harsh tone for the song titles strengthens their character. So does the album title for this exciting new album.

Rating:

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Related bandprofile: Omega Massif