Release
date: March 31st 2017. Label: Holy Roar Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
The
Fool – Tracklisting
1.Shuffle, Cut and
Reveal
2.The Magician
3.The Hanged Man
4.The World
5.The Lovers
6.The Hierophant
Band
Members
Chainy Chainy - Bass
Max Newton - Drums
Daniel Sargent -
Guitars
Marc George -
Guitars
Paul Waller - Vocals
Review
OHHMS’
full-length debut is a journey of musical composition, through doom
metal fact and progressive rock fiction. The record is appropriately
furnished with different tracks that all morph to create a successful
album. We are essentially all fools in that many of the answers to
our own questions are carried within us or just within our grasp,
however we require an outside storyteller to guide or understand our
expedition. This is an impressive album, analogous to this previous
belief, with numerous harmonious symbols of the Tarot that
specifically tell and foretell one’s excursion through a heavy,
encyclopedic progression of sludge rock. At one point I was almost
possessed to tear up my wooden floor just to walk over the naked
earth beneath and discover my destiny through a shuffle of the cards.
To the songs…
Shuffle,
Cut and Reveal - the opening track is an acoustic interlude with a
touch of troubling sounds. The perfect preface to your own prophecy
foretold.
The
Magician - this track embodies a technique that separates the song
like a cleaver through warm bread. The overall gloomy crust contains
a deep, wading raw power of doom infused with resonant vocals both
mixed up with passionate sticky parts and a call to the dark arts.
This magician’s song is an essential task, the goal of which is to
transform underlying musical sensations into your own character
interpretations. There is a power exchange here between the band’s
composition and the listener’s elucidation; your path of choice
will either send you on a voyage to meet saints or greet demons.
The
Hanged Man - This track ‘s tremendously atmospheric inception is an
invitation to a heavy, rudimentary styled song that throws waves of
raw distortion against an old wooden wall that is thirsty for
moisture of any kind. The vocals are raspy and full of angst. The
drums topple like an avalanche of falling bricks but never miss a
beat at the touchdown mark. The tail end of the song is pure
fulfilment. All in all, a great song that makes one feel young and
virulent, despite the subject matter, but I guess rage will do that
to desperate men. You are only hanged if upside down and those
precious moments bring lucidity.
The
World - a song of machine riffage accompanied by well placed
vocal/instrument explosions, stretched out softer sequences with
indulgent singing passages and an echoed end. Cosmic completeness.
The
Lovers - a melodious, mesmerizing tune of male and female vocals that
is overflowing with emotion centered around the core which is the
ultimate decision to forge a relationship built on certain sacrifice
towards lasting potential.
The
Hierophant - The last track is a masterful metal benediction. An
ambient soundscape incorporates monk like chants that build the
bridge between heaven hums and earth tones. These papal shamans
understand the balance of distortion and clarity, providing a
nurturing listen. The band’s identity is solidified on this track
and they are at peace in their own church constructed without
cluttered pews. You have been blessed, so feel unbroken and perpetual
again. If you listen to ‘The Fool’, OHHMS rule…
Words
by Nick Palmisano
Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the promo. The Fool will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Holy Roar Records from March 31st 2017.
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