Review / 200 Words Or Less
Ocrilim
ANNWN

Hydra Head (2008) Chris S.

Ocrilim – ANNWN cover artwork
Ocrilim – ANNWN — Hydra Head, 2008

Metal is constantly making relatives with classical and orchestra. Sometimes though, you have to remember why they are separate. Mick Barr is a very gifted individual; Wikipedia calls him "an American avant-garde metal guitarist." Though I would say his ability to shred with a relentless speed make him more than just that. He is more notably the second half of the duo Orthelm, however under this moniker he is guitar soundscapist Ocrilim.

The multi-layered immensity of this release is welcomed to an era of many bands experimenting with the limits of noise rock. The plot twist however is simply that this is Mick Barr and only Mick Barr attempting to conquer what a conservatory of fifty musicians struggles through with simply one guitar. Layer upon layer of metal onslaughts are carefully put together to create mind splitting symphonies.

Though this idea is original, it is somewhat un-listenable. His talent should be attributed, as well as his attempt to do something entirely original. Yet it is not attractive to the mere music listener. Which is why this release may fade into the abyss of thousands of musicians lost at sea.

3.0 / 10Chris S. • July 6, 2008

Ocrilim – ANNWN cover artwork
Ocrilim – ANNWN — Hydra Head, 2008

Related news

Hydra Head Signs Ocrilim / Post Song

Posted in Labels on January 22, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Wheezing Maniac

Shade Through The Night Door
Puto Jefe (2023)

Breathe In Breathe Out. Wheezing is often heard as a whistling sound primarily while breathing out but can also be heard when taking deep breaths. It is frequently attributed to the small Bronchial Tubes situated deep within the lungs. However, a maniac can often be seen as a derogatory term used in place of a lunatic, mad person, loony, wing … Read more

Uranium Club

Infants Under The Bulb
Anti Fade Records, Static Shock Records (2024)

Do you take your punk with saxophone? Do you like post-angular guitars and rhythmic, near-spoken vocals? If so, Uranium Club is probably right for you. Apparently they call this egg punk nowadays. I would have called it art-punk. It definitely runs in the left-of-the-dial, DIY punk world, but has that glasses-wearing, proud-of-your-weirdness element that makes it hard to pin down … Read more

The Phase Problem

The Power Of Positive Thinking
Brassneck Records (2024)

I spent a good part of the late ‘90s annoyed at the abundance of Ramonescore. I’ll stand by my word: many of the bands of that era were carbon copies that didn’t bring anything new to the format. But time has passed and what was overdone is now a refreshing change of pace. For whatever reason, when I hear a … Read more