kogaionon A few months ago, I heard about OM for the first time from a friend of mine. With this occasion, I heard about Sleep too, but the latter band didn't have such an impact on me like OM’s superb style had. From “Variations on a Theme” to “Advaitic Songs”, OM kept on developing more groove and a more ascetic feeling with every album they recorded…and they did an awesome job with “Advaitic Songs”!

This masterpiece begins with “Addis”, a song on which the smooth bass, the violin and a charming Indian-like female voice calms you down and prepares you for the trip. “State of No-Return” follows in a more doom metal manner, the distorted electric guitar coming into scene. “Gethsemane” and ‘’Sinai” follow the same style from the “Pilgrimage” and “God Is Good” albums. Al Cisneros’ dark and slow bass lines are accompanied by skilful dynamic drumming of Emil Amos, while the violin fits perfectly with the whole new album. The piano parts also give a more deep feeling to the already-complex OM sound. What startles me is how these guys manage to create such an interesting atmosphere with what some-would-say dull bass and some drums that go with it. On the lyrical part, I find “Sinai” to have the most beautiful verses from this album:

“Walk Melchizidek shrine descender

At Lebanon - priest ascending / And back toward Lebanon priest ascending

Menyelek now proceeds / Through the Red Sea

Reabsorbed on the peak of mountain / And reabsorb on the peak of mountain.”

…and the album ends with “Haqq al-Yaqin”, a flawless piece of music driven by percussion and violin. Adding a touch of soothing acoustic guitar, this song is the perfect ending for a wonderful trip that is “Advaitic Songs”.

A 5/5 star album that proved me once again that OM is clearly one of the most beautiful stoner groups, if not the best there is.