Bismarck: Oneiromancer

Bismarck is a psychedelic/stoner/doom metal band hailing from Bergen, Norway. They released their debut album titled Urkraft in 2018 and followed it up with their 2020 sophomore effort titled Oneiromancer. Some great bands come from Bergen, and you can add Bismarck to that ever expanding list. I have not heard the debut but that needs to change considering how much I am digging their latest disc.

I have been a big fan of stoner rock/metal for a number of years now and always look forward to new bands in the genre. I was expecting a heavy opening track but much to my surprise the band threw a curveball with “Tahaghghogh Resalat�, a thought provoking meditative piece dripping with East Indian vibes and atmospheric droning guitar textures. The Indian mantra-like lead vocals suit the song perfectly and have an hypnotic effect. Just a great opening track to chill out to. Next is the bone crushingly heavy as all hell title track. It starts with an all out aural assault with heavily distorted guitar and harsh growls. The heavy doom slows down before clean vocals and a mellower soundscape unfold. I love how the heavy riffs are underlaid with atmospheric drones, a sort of juxtaposition of heavy and light. “The Seer� is another relentless barrage of fuzzed out doom riffs and intense lead vocals. Folks, this is doom in its heaviest form. The riffs, drums, and vocals will pummel you senseless. The heavy drones add so much texture and atmosphere to the intensity of it all, you will not be able to turn away, I promise. The heaviness continues with “Hara� starting with a mellower guitar and vocals before the band absolutely melts your face with bludgeoning riffs and the vocals to match.

Sometimes I take issue with harsh vocals, but this band makes the growls work to great effect, and the occasional clean vocals are always welcome. I have to say this is some excellent doom metal that absolutely slays. Recommended for fans of heavy music everywhere.

An Apollon Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Tahaghghogh Resalat (4:17)
2. Oneiromancer (9:15)
3. The Seer (5:39)
4. Hara (8:59)
5. Khthon (6:48)

Added: October 29th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 726
Language: english

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