Ophthalamia
Dominion ()
Wydane przez Soulseller Records/SureShotRok wydania Kraj SwedenNapisał Wouter7
Ophthalamia were one of the original Swedish black metal bands, forming in 1989. “Dominion”, the band’s third and final recording, was originally released on No Fashion Records (Dark Funeral, Dissection, Lord Belial, Marduk, Throne Of Ahaz) in 1998. Among its membership are a couple of well-known scene figures of the time, including Ole Öhman (Dissection), Emil Nödtveidt (Swordmaster, he would later front the detestable Marilyn Manson/Rammstein inspired Deathstars) along the main creative duo Tony ‘IT’ Särkkä and Jim ‘All’ Berger. The similarities with Dissection are apparent, as both acts combine black – and death metal with influences from traditional heavy metal. Dissection was the heaviest act of the two (disregarding the later saccharine and impotent Gothenburg failure that was “Reinkaos”) while Ophthalamia was more adventurous and experimental in its writing. The melodies and riffs are typical of the time and the smooth high end production job by Abyss Studios makes this record sound glossy and pristine. Both Särkkä and Berger deliver commendable contrasting vocal styles, while the drumming of Öhman is quite diverse with interesting fills and kickdrum patterns. It is no surprise he is present here, since his work on Dissection’s magnum opus “Storm Of the Light’s Bane” was just 3 years prior. Soulseller has remastered the album for this re-issue and included new artwork by Melinda Balogh.
www.soulsellerrecords.com
