ALBUM REVIEW: The Sinking Isle – Oromet
Funeral doom duo OROMET have returned with another colossal, enveloping record. The Sinking Isle is the follow up to 2023’s self-titled debut. The pair specialise in curating melodies that engulf and enrapture leading the path to moments of shattering weight. The emotive soundscapes that were key to the delivery of the previous album are the foundation for sophomore effort and with these firmly in place, OROMET look to reach to new heights.
With an acoustic melody and babbling water soundscape. The album opens with gentle initial phrasing. It lulls and soothes in its introduction. Like a deep tension reliving breath. However, this peaceful prelude is shattered with a colossal guitar chord and rhythm section cascading down. Retaining the melodic nature of the beginning phase OROMET suddenly shift gears to offer something best understood as comforting discontent. The grand, epic swells of melody and instrumental layering create a blanket, yet the sheer weight coupled with the gutturally emotive vocals has an uncomfortable edge. The result is a musical piece that highlights two ends of spectrum and are executed beautifully.
Doom metal and particularly funeral doom metal does not have a widespread appeal. It can be off putting to some and come across as dirge like. OROMET navigate this path by offering shifting dynamic ranges and expert musicianship to guide the vision. While Hollow Dominion is an investment of an album opener, Marathon, builds on the thematics and launches into an inexorable powerful track. The anticipation created by the phrasing is the real pull factor. It’s entirely intoxicating. For those unsure if this genre is for them, this track offers up some of the best examples funeral doom composition.
With three tracks collectively clocking in at just over forty minutes, the scope of the album track list may be off putting to some. In an age of albums being dipped in and out of, specific tracks added to playlists for people to use for different activities and purposes. There is not much time given to albums that require investment. However, to overlook music of this calibre because it doesn’t fit in within a certain parameter would be a crime. This is an album to lose oneself in, to shut out anything else and dedicate attention to for the journey. Hollow Dominion is made up of movements and to track how the album ebbs and flows to the conclusion of Forsaken Tarn is a rewarding process.
In many ways, The Sinking Isle is a companion album to their self-titled debut. Building on similar thematic patterns and drawing a wealth of inspiration from the striking artwork produced by Ted Nasmith. Both albums together can be seen as two sides of the same vision. The first with a look skywards, positivity in the face of creation. Whereas, The Sinking Isle very much holds a darker pessimism, the destructive counterpart. However, it is not essential to have had previous exposure to OROMET’s music to enjoy this new record. With its utterly immersive soundscape and enrapturing refrains it stands tall on its own merit and delivers some outstanding melodic leads as well as some crushing climactic moments.
Rating: 8/10
The Sinking Isle is out now via Hypaethral Records/Transylvanian Recordings.
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