ALBUM REVIEW: Orm - Ir

ORM (Denmark)
"Ir"
(Indisciplinarian)
Release date: August 30th 2019
Genre: Atmospheric black metal, blackened death metal
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From Copenhagen, Denmark, close to the north-eastern border of the Zealand (or Sjælland) peninsula, comes ORM. Not a lot of biographical information was given me about the band, but I would guess they were formed around 2013-2014. Their first album, the self-titled debut was released in the spring of 2017, and now we are only a few weeks away from being handed their sophomore effort, simply entitled "Ir".

The debut was a fresh gust of cold black wind. In essence a pure black metal record all the way through, but already during the opening track "Blood of your Blood" it became clear that we were having to do with a band that is a lot more, and that they have the ability to write high quality material, full of textures, atmosphere and variety.

With such a promising debut, I am sure this four piece ensemble felt the pressure to make a follow-up that could exceed their first album.

To put it short, "Ir" is a majestic piece of black musical art. It is a two track album, "Klippens Lyse Hal" ("The Light Hall of the Cliff") and "Bær Solen Ud" (Carry Out the Sun), clocking in at 23 and 24 minutes respectively. So if you're still wondering if ORM managed to exceed their debut, the answer is yes.

As was the case on their self-titled debut, the opening seconds tell us that this is already something monumental. "Klippens Lyse Hal" brings us more of the melodic riffs that seem to already be part of ORM's trademark, and they have a very distinct Norse and viking type of feel. The track is very varied and rich in contrasts, but never loses its ambient and mystical effect.

"Bær Solen Ud" has a lengthy acoustic intro that allows you to enjoy the calmer aspects of Scandinavian musical heritage. Eventualy it develops into a slightly different experience than "Klippens Lyse Hal" was, as the band turns to a more technical approach. In shorter sections it's even pure thrash, in other doom/sludge. Quite the colorful track, albeit somewhat different.

Apparently, bands from Northern Europe and Scandinavia have their own way of creating melodic, mystical and atmospheric metal. Vintersorg is maybe the most prominent one among the Swedish acts within the genre, and after the release of "Ir" on August 30th I expect ORM to be considered the same way.

★★★★★★★★★★

ORM:
Simon Sonne Andersen - guitar and vocals
Theis Wilmer Poulsen - guitar and vocals
Troels Cort Nielsen - bass
Adam Schønemann - drums

Tracklist:
1. Klippens Lyse Hal (The Light Hall of the Cliff)
2. Bær Solen Ud (Carry Out the Sun)