Italy’s Ufomammut are an astonishing band. I believe them to be one of the very best working in the heavy area today. One thing that they have been able to do is to regenerate and echo the sounds of bands like Melvins, Sleep, Kyuss, and early Monster Magnet while boiling those sounds down to a broth and then managing to serve you their own kind of heavy. One can certainly sense where it came from, but it has its own unique flavor. Ufomammut use a lot of electronic elements throughout ORO: Opus Primum and they do so with a deft touch. Synthesizers have a strong presence and are as crucial here as the guitars, bass, and drums throughout the album.
ORO: Opus Primum is the first half of their double album ORO released in 2012. It is a highly dramatic affair and the sense of anticipation that weaves through the ORO: Opus Primum tapestry is spot on. Ufomammut are never in a rush here and the patients that they display as it unfolds only enhances the rewards as you listen further. You get excited to hear whats next. “Emperium,” the albums righteous opening track, builds for over half of its nearly 14 minute running time before the walls come crashing down around you. I see a barren and blood drenched landscape when I hear this song. That is pretty heavy, right?
Onto the second track, “Aureum,” which just happens to be my favorite on ORO: Opus Primum. As “Empireum” begins to slow down, a riff, one that you must hear to believe, emerges from the smoldering ashes and commands your attention. I would describe it as villainous and one of tORO: Opus Primum very best moments, bar none. It rises from behind the gentle sounds and takes control immediately. “Aureum” hits it stride pretty early and punishes you the entire way through. No mercy.
The albums final three tracks, “Infearnatural,” “Magickon,” and “Mindomine” are somewhat smaller in comparison to the first two epics, but they pack an extremely powerful punch. During “Magickon,” the band reprise the electronic elements from “Emperium” that gives ORO: Opus Primum a great sense of symmetry. Once the final track is reached, it is time for one last bludgeoning at the hands of Ufomammut. The power that is on display here is incredibly impressive. They summon and weild darkness from a source that it would appear only they have access to.
And this is only the first half of the album! You still have ORO: Opus Alter to enjoy which is a spectacular conclusion, but ORO: Opus Primum sets the table. Both halves are outstanding and equally worthy of being discussed and listened to. It would be hard to imagine fans of Sleep, Melvins, Kyuss, and early Monster Magnet not falling in love with Ufomammut and ORO: Opus Primum in particular. They cast a dark and extremely foggy shadow with their music. Turn the lights down, close your eyes and allow yourself to embrace the darkness, if only for a short while.
Get more from Paul at Bleeding Light Records.