A postmodern metal achievement
J. Shank | Chicago | 01/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Someone had to eventually do it: take the basic format of minimalist composition and completely recontextualize it in an alien environment: loud rock music. On this album, former Crom Tech avant-thrashers Orthrelm do the impossible. They make an album that manages to be completely abstract and minimalist in composition (absolutely no memorable melody here folks, only repetition and angular guitar shredding), yet they accomplish this perverse form of minimalism within the pre-existing template of a hardcore/metal band.
Its seemingly contradictory, playing minimalism in a style that is known for melody and/or emotional intensity, but OV pulls it off which is why this is so remarkable. The album avoids being painfully academic like a lot of avant-garde music, yet at the same time it is completely orignial and innovative. One should note that this album is purely conceptual, its not one that you're going to listen to all the time and it will hardly reward the listener emotionaly. It is however something truly innovative and amazing. It is exhaustingly postmodern, playing avant music in a familar style. This will probably be the first and only example populist minimalism, and for that it should be praised."
Holy crap
N. Borror | Van Buren, AR | 03/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"if you appreciate music theory and craftmanship, you will appreciate orthrelm. i have never listened to something so creatively and technically intimidating. everything about this album (as well as other past albums) makes me question my choice to pick up the guitar as a hobby. what is the point, if this already exists?"
Most annoying song ever. I LOVE IT!
FleA377 | Heaven Hell or Houston | 12/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1st time I heard it, I'm thinkin "Holy **** that's INSANE!" it keeps going and going and going. Minimalist is right, a shredtastic cacophony of seemingly endless mindwasting insanity. I love musical experimentation like this, and I think my neighbors love it even more than I do. Don't waste another second, BUY BUY BUY and spread the love!
|m|"
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1