Ogen – Black Metal Unbound (2011)

As we are going through our never ending queue of albums to review, today we have Ogen’s debut EP titled “Black Metal Unbound”. Without needing a very high IQ we can figure out that the Italian duo of Ogen play Black Metal. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, this two-man band delivers one of the best Black Metal releases we have heard in this 2011. Featuring intricate riffs and powerful melodies, the band does not fuck around when it comes to creating punishing BM compositions.

“Shattered Earth Volcano” opens this album with dominating riffs and very nicely paced drumming. This song marks the beginning of a set of five tracks that encompass many styles of Black Metal all in a well executed package. Since this song we can hear the Satyricon, Old Mans Child’s, and Emperor influences all around the music, but never sounding like a rip-off.

“Black Tusk Retaliation” delivers a wicked opening that immediately sets that ‘darkness’ atmosphere that Black Metal should create, the riffing at around the 50 second mark is just plain brilliant and gets you in the groove of things immediately. The vocals are your typical raspy screams and we completely prefer them over the high pitched screams most bands seem to be abusing these days. The clean male vocals give a hint of early Ulver and Arcturus, creating and even more special atmosphere.

“Crest of the Forgotten” and “As a Leaden Sun Shineth Upon” deliver more brilliant melodic sections, clean vocals, and very thick ‘evil’ atmosphere created by the amazing guitar riffs. As you can imagine, this band is not doing anything revolutionary or will be winning any Nobel prizes for originality, but they manage to make GREAT music and that’s all that maters in our book.

On the closing track “A Steep Slope to Desolation”, the band wind downs this EP with a very nicely paced track. The constant tempo changes make this song a very dynamic and interesting one while still being both brutal and melodic. Especially the acoustic passage at the end of the track nicely closes this very hectic release.

If you like a very well crafted Black Metal release, look no further and get this brilliant EP. Ogen manages to craft five very powerful songs that nicely encompass many styles of Black Metal and this EP will surely reach any BM fan. This EP is a must have for all fans of Satyricon, Emperor, Borknagar, and similar bands.

Release: June 6th, 2011

Country: Italy