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Ufomammut: Ecate

Hecate, the Greek goddess referenced by the title, is often associated with crossroads, entrances, and various kinds of sorcery (among many other things). I focus on these three specific items mostly because they seem best suited to capture the basic themes of this album. You see, this album takes listeners on a journey through various states of mind and sound, the kind that may be said to cross through traditional gateways, stop for reflection at the crossroads, and discover, in the end, some kind of higher spiritual plane. I'm probably making too much of the whole thing, but I feel confident in the claim that the music here is aiming for something other than simple entertainment. Like the psychedelic bands of a previous generation, Ufomammut explores the connection between sound and consciousness, the connections between certain kinds of thoughts and feelings. Listen, for example, to "Chaosecret," a track that includes an extended effects-laden meditation accompanied by a slow but steady drum beat. There's something hypnotic and contemplative about such moments.

For those unfamiliar with Ufomammut, the band is comprised of three musicians: Poia (guitar, synths, and effects); Urlo (bass, synth, effects, and vocals); and Vita (drums). The name of the band, according to the official website, is a combination of the Italian term for mammoth and the familiar acronym UFO. Together, the term suggests something a bit hard to picture—a mammoth / UFO. I don't think we're supposed to find some kind of deeper meaning in the name—it is, after all, something of an absurdity. Nevertheless, the name does bring to mind something essential to the band's overall approach to sound. The music here is big and heavy and powerful, but it is also strange, unfamiliar, and otherworldly. Some folks call it psychedelic sludge metal and that feels about right to me.

The songs on this album are largely built on a combination of strange and interesting effects, heavy riffs, and minimal singing. The mood, as I suggested above, is contemplative but never so hypnotic that one risks slipping into sleep or a deep mental state. Instead, the music skirts the edges of sleep but roots listeners in the very earthy and rooted sounds of chuggy riffs and pounding drums. Be sure to check out the aforementioned "Chaosecret" and "Temple."

Track Listing:
1. Somnium
2. Pouton
3. Chaosecret
4. Temple
5. Revelation
6. Daemons

Added: April 6th 2015
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1877
Language: english

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