Ogen - Black Metal Unbound
Holy hell, this is how to make an impressive debut! In just under 24 minutes, this two-man Italian Black Metal band covers all the bases from Dissection’s intensity and complexity to mid-era Katatonia’s melancholy and clean vocals, plus a couple Thrashier riffs (or even parts of riffs) mixed in, here and there, as well as perhaps a touch of early Opeth, when they still wanted to be a Metal band. All of which is highlighted by an absolutely stunning recording and production. It is difficult to believe that Black Metal Unbound is Ogen’s first release, because it sounds as if Hartagga and Mjollnir (greatest stage-name for a drummer ever) have been working together for a long time. I suppose that I could understand if some people might not appreciate Hartagga’s clean vox, wishing the he’d stick with his usual raspy rawness, but I don’t agree. He’s quite good at both styles (as well as guitar and bass), and typically uses the clean vocals to enhance the despondent moods when they take center stage, although not always… And that’s about as close to a flaw as exists anywhere on this amazing EP.
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