Ufomammut – Oro: Opus Primum

Ufomammut have been significant players in a well-populated heavy metal sect for some time now. Honourable disciples of sludge, these Italians are ever-devoted to carving out paths towards true heaviness, continuing to push the doom blueprint into hyperdrive with their strongest material to date.

 

With an emphasis on huge dynamic shifts, the first half of Oro – a two-part opus – is suitably illustrious; the far-out radio static accompanying the opening minutes of Empireum serves to pull the listener away from the pedestrian domain into a spacious cosmic tract and only continues to build texturally.

 

Thick resounding guitar noise collides with the extraterrestrial emissions of vintage synths all the way through, giving the whole thing an uneasy air of mysticism. Composed of five lengthy pieces, this is better envisioned as the beginning of a colossal, bong-assisted journey. Time will tell if Opus Alter will surpass distant planets, but for now, we have lift off.