OREYON lists a singular band as an influence. That band is KYUSS. With that bit of information, you should be well on your way to having an understanding of what the La Spezia, Italy quartet is all about. In case you haven't had the distinction of learning who, and what KYUSS, and thus OREYON are, I'll be glad to set you down the correct path. Take your standard SABBATH style metal, add tremendous fuzz, droning riffs, layered vocals, space soaring solos and thundering rhythms. It's a formula that's been used for decades now, but perhaps surprisingly, seems to really be finding its significance and influence on the rise. OREYON manages to add their prints on the scene with this intriguing and even somewhat unique release.

The album opens with a stunning instrumental (other than an early spoken portion) titled "T.I.O." which is deceptively calm and even serene despite its heavy riffs. Next, "Trudging to Vacuity" begins a run of changing tempos and keys that becomes a constant throughout the remainder of the album. There's a lot of significant complexities at play here, and it really seems like the band had fun arranging these songs. Vocally the songs reminded me a bit of Maynard meets Ozzy in all the best ways. This is a lengthy track, clocking in at seven minutes, but it's far from the longest track here.

The title track, "Ode to Oblivion" opens with a wonderful bass run before capitalize on an almost dual chugging attack with the guitar. The bass returns to some great lead runs as it snakes around the guitar midway in a obviously psychedelic breakdown that builds back to a variation of the main riff and some astral exploration. This is a really fun track, and showcases the band's talent and ability to venture beyond the riff and see what might be around the corner so to speak. "Big Surprise" is pretty much that, as it taps into a melodic reservoir that had lain dormant and hidden up to this point. A shorter track, it still manages to cover a tremendous amount of ground. "The Ones", much like the title track, opens the door for OREYON to explore beyond the riff and it's pretty freaking glorious. They let you get comfortable  and then launch into an intensive study in free form jams.

The album closes with "Starship Pusher", yet another creative pathway for the band to stretch things out beyond expectations. "Ode to Oblivion" is stunningly well crafted. I found myself getting lost in it's creativity. Rather than trying to fit the mold of your average stoner/desert drudgery, OREYON explored the cosmos and took us on the journey with them. "Ode to Oblivion" is one of those releases that will provide you with a unique discovery each time you spin it. That should be celebrated. Easily another contender for the year end top ten list. Yeah, Heavy Psych Sounds is bringing the heat these days and building one helluva band roster. I dig it.