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

Prayer Group

Strawberry
Reptilian Records (2025)

Standing between genres can act as a vantage point. For Prayer Group, sitting at the intersection between noise rock and hardcore has armed them with the necessary arsenal to propel their anger and frustration forward. And so, through a series of EPs and singles, this work culminated in their 2022 debut full-length, Michael Dose, where The Jesus Lizard methodology collided … Read more

The Goslings

Plexuses, Planes
Independent (2025)

For experimental rock artists torn between noise-rock abrasion and torturous drone immersion, one side usually wins. It is either a certain sentimental and ethereal quality or an oppressive noise dimension that prevails. But there are some acts that can balance between these worlds. Names like The Angelic Process, and of course Low exemplify this strange balance in different ways. A … Read more

Bee Bee Sea

Stanzini Can Be Allright
Wild Honey Records (2025)

I believe the first I heard of this album was when Wild Honey released the limited edition It’s All About The Music concept 7” EP back in July. Exclusively released for the Punk Rock Raduno festival, IAATM is a three song 7” but only sort of? The concept: one garage-rock anthem, three versions- one is slowed down, one is regular … Read more