Delight for fans of heavy music – Oghre’s latest studio album “Asni”, which is the final in the trilogy they started about the chemical elements that are the most common in any living being – oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. True, this work will affect not only the field of heavy music lovers, because this experimental metal band has already experimented even in the progressive rock world.
The group “Oghre” founded in 2012 (Oskars Dreģis – vocals; Toms Galinauskis and Kristaps Baķis – guitars, Andis Zvejnieks – bass guitar, Normunds Balodis – drums) already had the previous two albums “Gana” (2017) and “Grimt” (2020) devoted to ecologically complex themes, but the conclusion of the trilogy, at least in this area, surpasses it ancestors.
“The album is dedicated to carbon, whose circulation cycle inspired us to look at life as a single organism, of which we – humans – are also a part. The earth or soil is an essential image for us because it sustains life and all life eventually turns into it. In this cycle, we also see the element of rebirth, which is played in different ways both in music and in lyrics,” says vocalist Oskars. On the other hand, guitarist Toms Galinauskis adds: “”Asni” is an album about carbon, earth, and it is designed to be thorough and monumental. At the same time, one of the main themes of the album is rebirth, cyclicality. We wrote music according to this concept – long songs in which the included elements repeat or change from one to another.”
This thoroughness, monumentalism and cyclicity are noticeable here at every step – the average length of the six compositions (the seventh is the introduction) is around seven minutes, during which the listener is led through complex rhythmic labyrinths with Oscar’s very wide amplitude vocals on the trumpet. “Asnus” is somehow difficult to perceive as a music album – we would like to see this program as a performance with video projections or other types of stories about the chosen topic, because just listening, it can hardly be perceived as the musicians intended. For example, listen to “Footprint” – what do you hear here? Hardly what the “Ogrenians” did, that is, “we wrote the first half of the piece ‘Ospydums’ and then learned to play the entire first section backwards for the second half, thus imitating planarian worms, which, if split in the middle, grow a new head and tail.”
If you want to get a brief insight into this work, then the most recommended compositions are “Rīts” and “Mill”, but it is difficult to listen to a particular piece by separating it from the others – “Asni” is a conceptual work. It was recorded in the studio “Studio Gateris”
with sound engineer Jānis Kalvānas at the console, while post-processing or mastering was done by the founder of the Swedish post-metal group “Cult of Luna” Magnus Lindbergs at his “Redmount Studio” in Stockholm.
“During the writing of the album, we experienced the global pandemic, bans on meeting and rehearsing. We also experienced the death of close people. Many of us argue, then we make up again. Then we also experienced the birth of close people. Most of the members of the group became parents for the first time,” says Toms Galinauskis, that is, writes on his FB account. “In my opinion, this is the band’s most emotional, rawest, heaviest, tenderest, most beautiful and best album and I’m proud that it’s out. Of course, I’ve heard it a million times myself over the course of four years, but now that I no longer have to look with a critical eye at every line on the cover and with a critical ear to listen to every squeal of cymbal or half-finished reverb tail, I listened to it again and every song is like a hit of nostalgia.”
It should be noted that “Asni” will also be released on specially designed vinyl records, which will be available for purchase at the album presentation concert, which will take place on November 22 at the “Aleponia” bar.
Oghre’s Latest Album “Asni”: Heavy Music Meets the Elements
Well, well, well! If heavy music and chemistry had a baby, they’d probably name it “Asni”. Yes, folks, Oghre has churned out their final studio album in an elemental trilogy that looks at the lifeblood of every living being—oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon! Not just for your metal-loving friends, this experimental metal band has cranked the dial all the way to progressive rock too. Marvel at the brilliance or, if nothing else, nod along as your neighbor’s bass rattles the windows!
The Making of “Asni”
Founded way back in 2012 (which feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?), the band features Oskars Dreģis on vocals, Toms Galinauskis and Kristaps Baķis on guitars, Andis Zvejnieks on bass, and Normunds Balodis on drums. Their previous albums—”Gana” (2017) and “Grimt” (2020)—were already deep-diving into ecological themes, but “Asni” attempts to outshine both its older siblings, like a younger sibling who never quite got the Barbie doll they wanted, but is now taking up ceramics instead.
Carbon: The Heavy Metal Hero
Now, let’s talk carbon! Apparently, that carbon cycle isn’t just for action figures and science fairs; it’s served as the band’s inspiration for viewing life as a cohesive organism where we, yes even *you*, have a role to play! According to Oskars, “The earth or soil is an essential image for us because it sustains life and all life eventually turns into it.” How poetic! Honestly, I might tear up if I had a better grasp of the subject matter.
Rebirth and Cyclicality: Not Just for Greek Myths
Toms chimes in with the idea that “Asni” is supposed to be not just an album but a *musical experience*. Think long songs that can change from serene to chaotic in a matter of moments, a bit like my last first date! These pieces are approximately seven minutes long—perfect for brewing coffee or contemplating the meaning of life. Spoiler alert: you may end up just contemplating why you agreed to a date in the first place!
Want to know what “Footprint” sounds like? Imagine writing the first half of a song, then flipping it backward! That’s right. “Ogrenians” are now taking cues from planarian worms, those little guys who can grow back their heads and tails. If only breakups were that easy!
Conceptual Masterpiece or Musical Maze?
While “Asni” could be a challenge to appreciate, it shines in its will to be comprehensive—like a Netflix documentary no one really asked for, but everyone keeps talking about. If you want a guided tour, “Rīts” and “Mill” are recommended, although don’t be surprised if you want to bop around with the rest of the album too. It’s all one big conceptual ball of existential dread and rhythmic labyrinths!
Behind the Scenes: Pandemic, Parenthood, and Pure Emotion
Interestingly enough, Oghre didn’t just sit around during the global pandemic like the rest of us—they were busy crafting this masterpiece amidst bans, deaths, births, and, I kid you not, an endless cycle of arguments and reconciliations. Nothing says ‘let’s make a heavy album’ like one moment you’re crying over a global crisis and the next, your buddy’s getting baby clothes. “Asni” encapsulates the raw, the heavy, the tender—and maybe just the outright nutty bits of this rollercoaster we call life.
The Vinyl Drop
And for vinyl enthusiasts, drumroll, please! “Asni” will also be available on specially designed vinyl records, because nothing says “I appreciate my ears” like analog music in a digital world. They’ll be debuting this at the album launch concert on November 22 at the “Aleponia” bar. Honestly, if you’re not there, are you even a fan?
Final Thoughts: Will it Make You Headbang or Hum?
So, if you’re wondering whether you should dive into “Asni”, just think of it as a blend of heavy music and a science fair project—not to mention you’ll finally have a reason to show off your knowledge of the carbon cycle. Just remember, life’s a cycle, and so is this album. Wear your headphones. Or don’t. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Delight fills the hearts of heavy music enthusiasts as Oghre unveils their highly anticipated studio album “Asni”. This album marks the thrilling conclusion of a trilogy that delves deep into the fundamental chemical elements essential for life: oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. While firmly rooted in heavy music, Oghre’s experimental metal sound has also ventured into the realms of progressive rock, promising an experience that transcends genre boundaries.
The band “Oghre,” formed in 2012 and comprised of Oskars Dreģis on vocals, Toms Galinauskis and Kristaps Baķis on guitars, Andis Zvejnieks on bass guitar, and Normunds Balodis on drums, follows up their previous albums “Gana” (2017) and “Grimt” (2020), which tackled complex ecological issues. Yet, the final installment of this trilogy not only meets but magnifies the ambitious scope of its predecessors, venturing deeper into themes that resonate beyond mere musical notes.
Vocalist Oskars shares insights into the album, stating, “The album is dedicated to carbon, whose circulation cycle inspired us to look at life as a single interconnected organism, of which we – humans – are an integral part. The imagery of earth or soil is vital for us, as it sustains life and ultimately, all life returns to it. This cycle embodies the concept of rebirth, beautifully woven into the fabric of our music and lyrics.” His bandmate, guitarist Toms Galinauskis, echoes this sentiment, explaining, “”Asni” is not just an album about carbon and earth; it is designed to be thorough and monumental. One of the primary themes is rebirth and cyclicality, which we expressed through long, intricate songs that flow and evolve, allowing elements to repeat or transform seamlessly.”
This thoroughness and monumental quality are evident throughout “Asni,” where the average length of the six main compositions spans around seven minutes each. During this time, listeners are skillfully guided through intricate rhythmic intricacies, complemented by Oskars’ expansive vocal range. “Asnus” transcends traditional music albums; it aspires to be an immersive performance enriched with video projections and multimedia storytelling. Simply listening may not fully encapsulate its artistic vision. For a compelling example, the track “Footprint” manifests the band’s innovative approach: “We crafted the first half of the track ‘Ospydums’ and then learned to play the entire first section in reverse for the second half, mimicking planarian worms that regenerate after being split,” the band reveals.
For listeners seeking an initial glimpse into this conceptual opus, the standout tracks “Rīts” and “Mill” are highly recommended, though isolating a specific piece from the overall narrative is challenging, as “Asni” is crafted as a cohesive conceptual work. It was meticulously recorded at “Studio Gateris,” under the adept supervision of sound engineer Jānis Kalvānas. The finishing touches of post-processing and mastering were artfully handled by Magnus Lindberg, the founder of the acclaimed Swedish post-metal group “Cult of Luna,” at his “Redmount Studio” in Stockholm.
“During the writing of the album, we found ourselves navigating through a global pandemic, facing restrictions on gatherings and rehearsals. We mourned the loss of loved ones, encountered moments of discord within the band, yet reconciled those differences. Additionally, we celebrated new beginnings, as many band members embraced parenthood for the first time,” recounts Toms Galinauskis on social media. “In my opinion, this is the band’s most emotional, raw, heavy, tender, and beautiful work to date. I feel immense pride in its release. Even after hearing it countless times over four years, I now listen through a different lens — each track evokes a hit of nostalgia.”
It’s worth noting that “Asni” will also be released on uniquely designed vinyl records, available for purchase at an exciting album presentation concert scheduled for November 22 at the “Aleponia” bar.
How did the global pandemic influence the creative process and emotional themes present in the album “Asni”?
The track “Footprint” showcases the band’s experimental approach, where sections of the song are reversed like a sonic puzzle, embodying the album’s theme of cyclical nature and regeneration.
The creation of “Asni” was not without its trials. The global pandemic forced the band into solitude, altering their creative process dramatically. Alongside personal challenges, including the death of loved ones and new beginnings as several band members embraced parenthood, the emotional spectrum present in the album reflects the highs and lows of life itself. Toms Galinauskis expresses his pride in the work, calling it the most emotional, raw, and beautiful of their discography. He notes that the album represents a significant artistic evolution for the band, framing “Asni” as a cathartic release of their experiences shaped during an unprecedented era.
To top it off, Oghre is ensuring that fans can experience ”Asni” in a tangible format. Specially designed vinyl records will be made available during the album presentation concert at “Aleponia” bar on November 22, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves fully in this complex musical journey.
“Asni” is not just an album; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of heavy music and profound existential themes. With its intricate compositions, emotional heft, and innovative production, Oghre invites listeners to dive into an auditory exploration of life’s cyclical nature—one that promises to engage both the heart and the mind. Prepare yourself to be swept away in a sonic adventure where every note carries the weight of existence and the beauty of rebirth.
