It’s been a while since I’ve opened the great grimoire of doom and inscribed a new entry. I’ve been busier than a kobold berserker with St. Vitus dance. Since we last met (over brimming tankards of dark ale), a lot of new music has been released, and I’ve written up some reviews and recommendations to serve you well on your journey… (more…)
At four songs, Om’s God is Good feels less like a whole album than a brief and tantalizing glimpse at what is yet to come. Om is a band that continues to evolve and explore and on this, their fourth full-length, they stretch out into new territory with new drummer Emil Amos and Steve Albini producing.
God is Good opens with “Thebes,” a 19-minute meditative epic. After a lengthy bass and sitar conversation, Al Cisneros kicks on the overdrive pedal and Amos shows off his chops. A more than capable drummer, his playing has a different “feel” than Chris Hakius’, but still intertwines effortlessly with Cisneros’ driving basslines.
The two-part closer “Cremation Ghat” features hand claps, tabla, tambura, and more sitar drones that float along like fragrant temple incense. Steve Albini has created a very spacious sound, scrubbing away the resiny murk and fuzz that clouded Om’s past works. (more…)
