Pareidolia

Ohmwork

OHMWORK is a Norwegian metal power trio that was formed in 2012. They have released […]
By Metal Wim
January 10, 2022
Ohmwork - Pareidolia album cover

OHMWORK is a Norwegian metal power trio that was formed in 2012. They have released quite a few albums already, including two concept albums. This is their fifth full length release and the first one to include their new drummer Einar Petersen. And it soon becomes evident very early that we are dealing with a band of quite experienced musicians, as the songs they write and play are really coherent. On first glance this is a very promising bit of music.

The sound that OHMWORK is going for is obviously riff orientated, very heavy and the speeds range from rather slow up to just above mid tempo. These guys actually know and respect their boundaries and do try and stay within them without making it sound too safe. The result is a mix between  some SABBATH riffs and SAXON-esque grooves that it makes the music quite easy to listen to. That is good and sounds nice, but they unfortunately are also very easy to forget once you've listened to all the songs on the album and "Pareidolia" has finished.

I've told myself that when reviewing albums is to accept that one of the criteria of a good record is to ask myself the question whether I'd play the record after I've finished writing. And I am sad to say that will not be the case when it comes to "Pareidolia". As I mentioned, the songs don't last past the last note of the album, they just don't seem to stick. That might just be me, but I always feel that if I have that experience I will not be the only one.

The fact that this is music that doesn't embed itself into my brain is only emphasised when you realise that singer Anders L. Rasmussen has a very limited voice. Although it does suit the music on "Pareidolia", it also showcases a lack of variety. Actually, the times he does sound quite good is when there's a second voice using a higher octave in the background or singing along with him. Just listen to "The Noise In My Head", and you'll know what I mean. In my opinion working on improving not only the longevity of the music but also the voice is key to becoming more successful. There just are too many other bands that are doing this a tad better. I wish I could make it different, but that's my opinion. Sorry guys!

6 / 10

Had Potential

Songwriting

7

Musicianship

6

Memorability

6

Production

6
When clicked, this video is loaded from YouTube servers. See our privacy policy for details.
"Pareidolia" Track-listing:

1. Born From Black
2. Liquid Fire
3. Blood & Snow
4. The Giver
5. Hill Of Tara
6. The Noise In My Head
7. Lifer
8. Mental Meltdown
9. Apocalyptic Now

Ohmwork Lineup:

Anders L. Rasmussen - vocals & guitars
Helge Nyrud - bass
Einar Petersen - drums

linkcrossmenucross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram