Release
date: June
26th
2020.
Label: Holy
Roar
Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Close
–
Tracklisting
1.Alive!
2.((Flaming
Youth))
3.Revenge
4.((Strange
Ways))
5.Destroyer
6.Asylum
7.Unplugged
Review
Close
is the new record from UK Sludge/Post-Metal/Doom Metallers – OHHMS
– and this release is a sequel of sorts to their acclaimed EP’s –
Bloom and Cold – both released in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Close
does feel slightly different to OHHMS two previous full length albums
– The Fool and Exist. The band never seem to take any time off as
they just released their last album back in November 2018.
I
don’t know whether this record is an EP, Album or Mini- Album but
whatever this is, OHHMS are on dynamic form playing some of their
most deeply emotional sounds yet. The socially conscience aware
lyrics have always played a big part of OHHMS identity and it’s
good to see the band touch on topical sensitive issues with this
record whilst creating a powerful style of Sludge/Doom Metal with
their earlier sounds of Ambient Rock, Psych Rock and Prog Rock
driving that message home.
The
7 songs on Close are what you expect from the band. They have a cool
a truly original sound of their own which they’ve been perfecting
since their acclaimed debut releases. The Post-Rock/Post-Metal flows
at an eerie and emotional level that allows OHHMS to maintain the
perfect balance of quietly played Cinematic Post-Rock and the more
aggressive Sludge/Post-Metal riffs that is perhaps the most exciting
parts of the record.
OHHMS
maybe in a more reflective mood on this record especially on songs
such as: Alive!, ((Flaming Youth)), Revenge and Unplugged. It’s
good to see OHHMS writing shorter songs this time round. There is
only one song (Revenge) that is of substantial length running past
the 9 minute mark and that is perhaps the standout song on the record
with OHHMS paying homage to their earlier sound whilst breaking new
creative ground for themselves as well.
The
instrumental work is more fast-paced and perhaps the most aggressive
I’ve heard yet from OHHMS. The vocals from Paul are outstanding yet
again and the powerful lyrics allow Close to be a more challenging
and diverse record that you wouldn’t expect.
I
will admit that I still prefer BLOOM and The Fool as my favourite
albums from OHHMS. However, this is still a wonderfully challenging
and deeply emotional record that only OHHMS could deliver.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Justine at Holy Roar Records for the promo. Close will be available
to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Holy Roar Records Records from June 26th 2020
Links:
