Oriska – Oriska

In the sea of heavy releases we have this autumn, sometimes I feel like giving a chance to the little guy. It’s not the first time we do it, Oriska isn’t new here, it’s a True kvlt darling, but there was something else about Oriska‘s self-titled album that drew me into the bleak, crushing depths of its Post-Metal, where soundscapes feel as cold and isolating as missing the last train at midnight in the dead of winter. If you don’t relate—lucky you. But let me share my thoughts on Oriska anyway!

The best way to describe Oriska is to imagine what would happen if you fused Amenra and Anopheli (the best Post-Metal band you’ve probably never heard of) and then layered on the production qualities of Sludge and Black Metal. Don’t worry; it’s not excessively filthy or chaotic, but there’s a deliberate mud and grime to the sound that gives this debut an organic edge. It wouldn’t hit as hard if it were cleaner or prettier—these emotions demand a raw, unpolished delivery. I think that’s something most of us can appreciate, just this once.

Sure, the tracks are lengthy and take time to unfold, but Oriska kept me gripped. The delivery is intense, harrowing, and all-consuming. The instruments combine in a symphony of despair and melancholy that, in the end, feels oddly cathartic. It’s like the sonic equivalent of a dark, rainy day. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from Oriska, but the band has delivered something unexpectedly powerful. That’s not to say the album is flawless, but it’s a strong, promising debut.

Yes, I’m biased because I love this soul-crushing misery, but if I could step outside my own love for this sound, I’d admit that some listeners might prefer shorter tracks or even higher production values. It’s a delicate balance to sound raw but still clear, and one might wonder what could’ve happened if the band took a different approach. And if you’re not a fan of sad, mellow riffs—beware.

This year still has a few surprises, and I think Oriska is one of them. For those who like their Metal as sad as a bag of mushy fries, Oriska is a band to watch. There’s so much potential here that, for once, I’m feeling optimistic. Oh, and can someone please sign this band? It’s criminal that they’re unsigned. Internet, let’s fix that.

No Youtube because this band is so underground, but click here!

Label: Self-released‬/Mind Over Matter Records/Init Records

Release date: 15 November, 2024

Website: https://initrecords.bandcamp.com/album/oriska

Country: USA

Score: 3.7/5.0 and I’ll still get back to this later this year!