ALBUM REVIEW: Dirge For The Doomed – Oracle Hands

Cold, despairing and utterly crushing. That is a quick way to understand this powerful debut from German post-metal collective ORACLE HANDS. However, there is a lot more to this album than just a bludgeoning collection of riffs and rhythms. While they seem adept at creating a thunderous avalanche, the quartet are equally at home with drawing upon melodic techniques to carve a distinct presence in the post-metal sub-genre. Yet to pin them to one label is tricky, their demo in 2023 alluded to more than a single dimension to their sound. These seven tracks on offer confirm that ORACLE HANDS are multi-faceted when it comes to both influence and compositional execution.

Haunting in its beginnings before cascading into unrelenting savagery. The Order is the debut albums jumping off point. It’s a neat yet brutal statement of intent. Guttural vocals and grinding riffs sear through the mix while the colossal rhythm section hammers home the foundations. For all of this intensity demonstrated within the initial minutes, the four-piece are clearly masters of their craft.

The brashness and outright ferocity are counter balanced by an underpinning of melancholia. The lyrics, lean into this emotive formula despite the growls and screams. Tracks such as Dissonance Of The Tongueless highlight not only this lyrical juxtaposition but also the insertion of a more atmospheric tonality. This is courtesy of the work on both the guitars and the prominent basslines that while delivering an unsettling rhythm are captivating to the last note.

At times heavy-hearted but balanced with moments of uplifting marvel. ORACLE HANDS have crafted a splendid debut. Versatile and densely packed with much of the post-metal genre attributes. It nevertheless seeks to push boundaries as the band seem unwilling to sit within one cosy space. Many may find an outlet within the hook laden Pulse. A channel for, at times, euphoric energy and a track that demands attention. While others my resonate with the relentlessness of Into The Abyss. Where disconsolate feelings trump all, yet the weight of its delivery is creatively counter pointed with a sense of solace.

Pulling elements of doom, death and black metal the band nail the extreme metal trifecta with aplomb. The harsh approach is tempered by an awareness that melody plays a critical role in all of the best heavy music. With a high-octane edge to the energy levels, the debut rattles by at a fair pace while battering the audio senses. For the doomed it may be. Yet this debut is anything but a dirge. ORACLE HANDS have the talent to be a genuine force to be reckoned with.

Rating: 8/10

Dirge For The Doomed is set for release on April 25th via Moment of Collapse Records.

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