Single Slam – Shambles by OHHMS (Exist)

Kent based post metallers, OHHMS, have released the first taste of their new album, Exist. This song is called Shambles. Exist is set for release on the 9th of November via Holy Roar Records.

Shambles premiered a few days back on Metal Hammer but is out now and available for the rest of us mere mortals to check out. Exist will be the band’s 4th full length studio album. The last was the highly rated, The Fool, which came out in 2017. OHHMS are from Canterbury, in Kent and released their debut album, Cold, in 2014. 4 albums in 4 years is a great return for fans of the band.

OHHMS are fronted by vocalist Paul Waller with guitars in the hands of Marc George and Stuart Day. Bass is with Chainy Chainy and the drums are looked after by Max Newton.

OHHMS play a brand of post metal but mix many other subgenres into their sound. A bit of doom, sludge and traditional rock/metal all make an appearance when the songs require it. Shambles is a long track, as often found with anything that has the word post in front of it. Just slightly over 8 minutes in length, it is a heavy track that focuses on chunky riffs and meaty drums to create a thick wall of sound. As the band say on their Facebook page, heavy, not fast. The track starts with atmosphere building distorted effects and notes. When the drums join in they have a gloriously strong sound, almost hypnotic. Vocals are clean, but barely, as they are gently muted and echoed to sit nicely just below the main instruments.

An infectious riff pulls the listener along, a thick bass line adds extra depth while the drums pound out a rhythm that worms it’s way into your brain. It is a very accomplished, and meticulously crafted sound. As the track progresses there is a little slow down to a brief clean picked guitar line before all the instruments come back in creating a viciously heavy crescendo of doom. The vocals are higher in pitch for the big ending, sounding strong and powerful backed by the thick crunch of the guitars and bass while the lead guitar switches to a higher melodic tone to sprinkle a little extra creativity over the whole thing.

Shambles is a clever track. It is really well constructed, holding your interest throughout while the thick layers of music and atmosphere worm their way into your mind. Musically sound with impressive drum rhythms and a well engineered sound, Shambles sets a very high bar for the rest of Exist to live up to.

Speaking to Metal Hammer, frontman Paul Waller spoke a little on the album’s topics: “When I was younger I found militant straight-edge guys and gals just the worst people to converse with. All they would talk about is how straight edge they were and how they despise people smoking and drinking in front of them. 15 years on and now it’s militant vegans that always give me terminal earache. I get it, already!

“It’s only been in the last five years that I have stopped eating meat myself, so who am I to judge anyone else? I’m happy with the way in which I live my life and if you are happy with the way in which you live yours, then that’s ace right? Shambles is my story and mine alone; it’s why I chose to no longer eat meat and why I refuse to judge others that do.”

OHHMS are out on tour at the end of October/early November around the UK. With support from the excellent Boss Keloid, it should be an excellent show. Grab tickets from here and check the image below for your local venue.

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You can listen to Shambles now on all the usual streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. Head over to OHHMS Bandcamp page where you can preorder Exist and pick up a load of cool merch and music, here. Find out more about OHHMS by checking out there Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Be sure to give them a like or follow while you are there.