Album Review: Omnerod – The Amensal Rise (Self Released)

Omnerod are a progressive metal band based in Belgium who will release their third full-length album ‘The Amensal Rise’ on May 12th, 2023.

Intriguingly progressive, monumentally heavy, and atmospherically unbound, Omnerod showcase a developed and advanced sound on their new album. Beginning with the intense grandeur of Sunday Heat; the first half sees instruments take on a doomy form as the vocals soar. Leading to a second half that is imbued with death heaviness and lavish melody. It’s striking introduction to The Amensal Rise and it flows brilliantly into the serrated riffing of Satellites.

Here, Omnerod really start to flex, and they take the listener on a near 12-minute journey filled with eclectic and eccentric passages, brutish heaviness, and immense harmonious atmosphere. It’s the earliest indicator that Omnerod are way ahead of the curve with it comes to modern progressive metal.

Easing into echoing melody and unusual ambience, Omnerod continue to push the boundaries of this music with the Spore. Another gargantuan track that transforms bit by bit, getting stranger as it goes on, but spreading through the mind like a virus.

Think latter-day Opeth, elements of Devin Townsend, and the heavy intensity of the likes of Gojira. Then you might be sone way on the path to understanding what Omnerod sound like.

Although the addictive nature of this release, and how Omnerod make their version of progressive metal so captivating means extravaganzas like Magnets, where the guitars squeal and the vocals howl, are as impressive as everything that came before and everything that comes after.

Tracks like the lavish title track, which also features some of the chunkiest and most chaotic guitar and drum rhythms. Or the brassy, harmonious, and substantial enigmatic sound of The Core. Credit where credit is due, Omnerod certainly keep things unpredictable.

Which means there’s no guessing where the finale of The Commensal Fall will go. Yet, there’s nothing so unusual that, when compared to the rest of the album, means its off-putting in anyway. How could a track with manic heaviness, gorgeous melodies, sharp and stinging rhythms, and ballsy twists possibly be?

It’s a stunner of an album.

Omnerod – The Amensal Rise Track Listing:

1. Sunday Heat
2. Satellites
3. Spore
4. Magnets
5. The Amensal Rise
6. The Core
7. The Commensal Fall

Links

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