Release Date: April 07th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Apocalypse - Tracklisting
1.Hell Breaks Loose 02:38
2.Promise 04:17
3.Satanica 02:17
4.Ain't Got No Frowns On Me 02:26
5.Apocalypse 07:41
Apocalypse Aftermath - Tracklisting
1.Aftermath 01:09
2.Everything You Say To Me 03:00
3.Cemetery Pt. I 03:17
4.Sick 03:40
5.Cemetery Pt. II 05:45
Members
Otu - Everything
Review
Singer/Songwriter Otu contacted me recently to review his new double EP collection called Apocalypse and Apocalypse Rising. These new EP’s are the new and revised versions of Otu’s 2012 full length album APOCALYPSE which have been split into individual releases. I forgot to mention that Otu is lead vocalist/guitarist for Doom/Stoner Metallers KAISER who released a brilliant album 2nd Sound earlier this year.
Otu explains:
Apocalypse originally dropped in 2012 as a raw, heavy-hitting stoner and sludge metal album by Otu. Defined by its grimy textures and dark atmosphere, the record stood out thanks to the wild tones of the zVex Fuzz Factory pedal and a gritty, software-driven bass. At the time, the release flew under the radar—but in 2025, with a broader listener base and a fresh perspective, Otu has revisited the project. The result is a reimagined double EP, refined but still drenched in the original chaos and heaviness that made Apocalypse so distinct.
I remember listening to the original version of Apocalypse back in the day and it was quite a surreal release with Otu hitting upon twisted levels of distorted Sludge, Doom, Drone and Stoner based paranoia. The vocals are a twisted delight to hear again especially within the superbly demonic and hugely entertaining release APOCALYPSE with Otu creating a subtle style of nightmarish grooves and experimental guitar reverb and amplifier riff delivery especially on tracks such as Hell Breaks Loose, Promise and Apocalypse. The EP does have a subtle METALLIC and NOISE ROCK energy that was all the range back in the day.
There’s a heavy reliance on twisted Psychedelic sounds and Drone themes which adds a whole level of PARANOIA to the mix. Each EP lasts for around twenty minutes and both releases follow different creative paths to each other whilst containing similar distorted missions of intent especially when the mood becomes SLUDGE METAL, THRASH and HARDCORE obsessive.
Standout tracks from the Apocalypse Aftermath side of the project include Everything You Say To Me, Sick and Cemetery Pt II.
Otu plays fast and loose with the rules of HEAVY METAL with the sound being highly dis-organized, aggressive and not making much sense in places. However, the riffs are plentiful and Otu plays like a MADMAN within the heaviest and violent grooves on the EP which should appeal to fans of Motorhead, The Melvins, Mutoid Man and dare I say bands directly influenced from the grind scene in places. I leave that upto the listener to form their own opinion with that statement.
Just be prepared to hear something completely different to KAISER as this is Otu at his most fearless self with a primal creative attitude that has served him well with his wealth of solo material (ten full length albums and counting) that he's created over the years.
Apocalypse and Apocalypse Aftermath is the perfect gateway for listeners to fully explore Otu’s dangerous creative mind where the music is quite original with a truly violent personality to match.
Words by Steve Howe
Links
Official | Facebook | BandCamp
