A dark yet captivating experience...
Some albums are anticipated for the joy they bring, while others provoke a sense of dread. OSMIUM’s self-titled debut album falls into the latter category. The ensemble includes Hildur Guðnadóttir, Rully Shabara, James Ginzburg, and Sam Slater—a remarkable collective whose past work showcases some of the best experimental music credentials in the contemporary scene. However, the group transcends their individual talents. Alone, they can push us to our limits, but together, they create something entirely unique.
The album begins with ‘OSMIUM 0,’ featuring what resembles a double bass alongside sporadic and aggressive percussion; entering into oppressive drones and vocals reminiscent of a John Bence release. It’s an uncomfortable listen, characterized by a deconstruction of sound and melody using minimal instrumentation, which amplifies its intensity.
In ‘OSMIUM 1,’ the music takes on a more melodic form, seemingly featuring a riff. The rhythmic percussion contrasts with distressed cries and audio scraps scattered throughout. It’s a striking opening combination. ‘OSMIUM 4’ presents delightful see-saw motifs that feel disorienting yet strangely comforting. ‘OSMIUM 5’ is the most rhythmically intense track, centered around an unforgiving beat. Is it a punch bag creating that rhythm or something different? Beneath that, junk percussion makes its presence known, while the vocals are wild—guttural mutterings, sharp breaths, and incoherent phrases. It’s utterly compelling yet baffling, making it the album's most powerful piece.
What ‘OSMIUM’ excels at is creating suspense. At times, the album seems bent on bringing us to the brink repeatedly. It’s an exhilarating experience to be pushed to the edge eight times, each in a distinct manner.
‘OSMIUM’ may not always be a pleasurable listen: it’s filled with distressing textures and tones, resembling a score for a deeply unsettling film in parts. Nevertheless, it offers a perverse enjoyment. Everything is so fractured and abrasive that one cannot help but be drawn into OSMIUM’s realm. This album is for those who miss Scott Walker’s later works and for those eagerly awaiting a new Cremation Lily release. It caters to enthusiasts of avant-garde performances in dimly lit basements—people who prefer to emotionally experience music rather than hear mere proclamations of negativity.
OSMIUM conveys a sense of dread about the world. If you’re weary of mainstream music, consider ‘OSMIUM’ as a palette cleanser before diving into another collection of pop hits. At its core, ‘OSMIUM’ acts as a funhouse mirror, reflecting the grotesque and distorted aspects of society. This is a powerful album that becomes increasingly captivating and significant with each listening.
7/10
Words: Nick Roseblade
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There are certain albums you anticipate with excitement due to the joy they promise, while others fill you with apprehension. OSMIUM’s self-titled debut album falls into the latter category. The band comprises