S.o.M.

Recenzija CD-a S.o.M. - Ettno doom (2008, Boyanov Gimn)
Review of demo CD S.o.M. - Ethno doom (2008, Boyanov Gimn)

"... And it actually is doom – depressing and slow, and it really does have many ethno elements ..."

S.o.M. «Ethno Doom»
2008 CD-R pro (Boyanov gimn)

The Boyanov gimn label is continuing to surprise its listeners with interesting and distinctive/original releases of little known young groups. The Croatian project under the name S.o.M. with its demo album Ethno Doom has become the label's next ward. The project's name does not leave any doubts as to the stylistic direction of the music. And it actually is doom – depressing and slow, and it really does have many ethno elements.

The project was born in Zagreb in the year 2005 as a one-man band with the goal to perform Croatian folk songs in a manner different in respect to the traditional styles. Bearing in mind the specific quality of S.o.M.'s music and its somewhat resembling the artistic approach of our fellow countrymen Vo Skorbyah, I will build my further analysis on comparing S.o.M. with the said band. And so I will begin with the music. The Croatians base their sound by following big names such as Cathedral and Esoteric with a distinctive role of the bass guitar and a cold, detached electric guitar that can be heard occasionally in the choruses and occasionally oppressing anguish in instrumental parts. And in this respect the guitar sounds almost like Norway's Nineties! And sometimes it is even given the chance to perform a prolonged solo! In general, S.o.M. is not less depressive and is on the same level with Vo Skorbiah as to melancholy and gloominess. One is just a little bit disappointed that there aren't any folk instruments, but even without them the musicians deliver the folk melodies quite well. The main difference is in the textual side of the Croatians – even if the folk lyrics and the group's own lyrics are united under the same idea, they are by no means funeral. Even though there is a song «Alone in the World» («Sirota sam» in Croatian), it is not sufficient for disclosing funeral themes.

There is less variety in S.o.M.'s vocal parts linked with performance as well as in the figurative means. There is a female leading voice that is positioned slightly in the latter plan creating an atmosphere of the area’s boundlessness. The male growling is heard much less frequently than in their colleagues’ performance. And in this respect the roar performed by Tomo Sombolac contains more high metallic sounds and is not as imposing as Iaromir's , but nevertheless, it is a perfect combination to go along with the music! Tomo also sings in a clear voice, although the sound range in such sequences is more like in performing lullabies.

In my opinion there is no sense in comparing the recording quality – the Croatians are without any doubt the losers here. But as a whole the disc's sound is fairly good, especially for a demo recording. And still, the overall impression in respect to the disc is exceptionally favorable.

7.5/10

August 9, 2008

Contact: www.somdoom.com

Paganshikoff
The disc was sent by Boyanov gimn