With Old Man Gloom, there is nothing left to prove and nothing that should be unexpected. That said, here comes the surprise release Seminar IX: Darkness of Being. With its melodic peaks and valleys, Old Man Gloom have completed their most fulfilling record to date. Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is a cathartic and emotional release that is a fitting tribute to a fallen friend.
Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is a truly epic album that requires one to listen from front to back. The sequencing of the album is so important to the emotional ride that Old Man Gloom takes you on, that listening to it any other way would be a disservice. From the opening of "Procession of the Wounded" to the end of "Love Is Bravery," Old Man Gloom create this melodious ark that fits together perfectly. For a band that have prided themselves on noise and abrasiveness, Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is their most complete record to date.
Unlike previous Old Man Gloom efforts, this record is full of fantastic melodies. Album highlight "Death Rhymes" is full of haunting melodic hooks that have previously been foreign to OMG music. Songs like "The Bleeding Sun" and "In Your Name" also carry impressive melodies that contrast perfectly with the heavy riffs that follow them. For a band that have built their reputation on experimental noise and downtuned riffs, this approach to melody is a welcomed addition.
Even though Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is a fitting tribute and farewell to lost bandmate Caleb Schofield, it also a new beginning for melodies that are new to the band. Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is full of the unexpected.
(Profound Lore)Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is a truly epic album that requires one to listen from front to back. The sequencing of the album is so important to the emotional ride that Old Man Gloom takes you on, that listening to it any other way would be a disservice. From the opening of "Procession of the Wounded" to the end of "Love Is Bravery," Old Man Gloom create this melodious ark that fits together perfectly. For a band that have prided themselves on noise and abrasiveness, Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is their most complete record to date.
Unlike previous Old Man Gloom efforts, this record is full of fantastic melodies. Album highlight "Death Rhymes" is full of haunting melodic hooks that have previously been foreign to OMG music. Songs like "The Bleeding Sun" and "In Your Name" also carry impressive melodies that contrast perfectly with the heavy riffs that follow them. For a band that have built their reputation on experimental noise and downtuned riffs, this approach to melody is a welcomed addition.
Even though Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is a fitting tribute and farewell to lost bandmate Caleb Schofield, it also a new beginning for melodies that are new to the band. Seminar IX: Darkness of Being is full of the unexpected.