Oromet - The Sinking Isle

Oromet is a funeral doom band from Sacramento, California who formed in 2022.  They have wasted little time in getting their music out there— “The Sinking Isle,” is their second full-length album. 

I didn’t review their previous album but enjoyed it quite a bit—this one is even better.  The themes of the album focus on the inevitably of collapse and the cycles of ruin and rebirth.  In essence, it focuses on the ebb and flow of life and events—some of which we can control but most we cannot. 

Much like its themes, the music contained within is dynamic as it travels its way through its emotions and musical terrain that’s oftentimes so heavy that it feels like a physical weight upon the ears.  I do like how melodic the album is–but it isn’t overly melodic but more like subtle leanings that help expand the oppressive moments.   “The Sinking Isle,” is an oddly hopeful album at times.  In the end, I find it is much like existence:  there are moments of light and joy but moments that beat us down as well. 

The pacing is fantastic.  With only three songs, and the longest of which is just under 21 minutes, and an overall runtime of under 44 minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome but has enough time to offer exploration to its depths.

“Hollow Dominion,” is the first song, and the longest.  The production lets every little detail shine through; the cascading rain fall and gentle acoustics sound wonderfully natural.  This passage flows expertly into the crushing funeral doom.  Oromet is just two people but they sound like a living expanse—incredibly dense song yet it’s very open as well. Tinges of both sorrow and hope exist within the melody, walking hand and hand with its doom. The death growls/screams are powerful—some of the best I’ve heard this year and I can’t imagine any other vocal delivery working for this.  

My favorite part of the song is around the 13:35 mark when it turns atmospheric, quiet drops through the unknown darkness. The buildup is masterful, ominous ruin settling in through slow but perpetual motion.  The bass devastates while the guitars and synths create a tapestry of melody and harmonies.  

“Marathon,” begins after the gentle fadeout of the opener but is much more immediate.  Growls rip outwards over a melodic guitar line and powerful drums.   Even though it was a quick start, the song itself is a slow burn and it’s great because the melodies have time to grow and stretch their rays across the dark landscape created by the guitars and vocals. When the guitars and vocals reach their zenith and trade back and forth between their lamentation, it is just straight up magic. 

The final song “Forsaken Tarn,” is probably the most intense of the three songs.  From the first note, the screams, beat of the drums, and the rhythm guitar dark the sky.  Rays of light from the melody penetrate through here and there but the overcast remains.  Within the song exist little pockets, little details of atmosphere that make the song seem even more live and fill the space.  The middle passage is very intense, what with the drums constantly building momentum.  

Oromet’s “The Sinking Isle,” is a massive achievement and statement on the genre’s potency.  It goes beyond the usual funeral doom tropes by offering a rich, almost regal sound to its bleak approach and definitely has its own personality.  Highly recommended. 

Rating: Excellent