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

Crippling Alcoholism

Camgirl
Portrayal of Guilt Records (2025)

Crippling Alcoholism have always navigated a delicate balance between musical depth and immediacy. A blend that few bands attempt, let alone master, but Crippling Alcoholism's two previous full-length records, When The Drugs That Make You Sick Are The Drugs That Make You Better and especially With Love From A Padded Room did exactly that. With a foundation formed through post-punk … Read more

The Necks

Disquiet
Northern Spy (2025)

There are no signs of slowing down for Australian jazz masters The Necks. Following the release of the excellent Bleed in 2024, the legendary trio makes a return with their 20th full-length record, Disquiet. Long-form compositions are nothing new for the trio, but here they dive headfirst into a three-hour tour de force, traversing the abstract and meditative territories they … Read more

The Eradicator

You Can Hate The Eradicator
Independent (2025)

Is The Eradicator a joke that's been going for 10 years (the band), or for 35 (the skit)? Does it matter? Well, only in the sense that I question how much material the Kids In The Hall-inspired hardcore band can cull from a 5-minute skit. (Maybe 10 minutes. The character was revived in 2022's Season 6.) Why do I bring … Read more