For those of you who do not know who ORK are (I’m assuming it’s quite a lot), they are a project that features ex-Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin, King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto, and two musicians who I am unaware of, Lorenzo Fornasari (Lef for short) on vocals and keys, plus Carmelo Pipitone on guitars. The vibe and grooves are influenced by Tool, and I do know of Colin’s love for the band.
Opening track, Kneel To Nothing, is a killer tune and Lorenzo’s vocals are amazing. What a range and power he has! Signals Erased is another fantastic tune and sits firmly in Prog territory, with more than a nod to King Crimson. Beyond Sight has a chill acoustic beginning and has a unique feel to the track, but again, Lef’s vocals are outstanding. Black Blooms has a very dark melancholic tone to proceedings and is a highlight for me. The build up is fantastic and the voice is huge. Side 1 closes out with Some Other Rainbow, a very short dark stripped down tune.
Side 2 starts with Time Corroded and Down The Road, both are stunning tracks and have an almost medieval tinge to them. Lef’s vocals are almost angelic at times or maybe even other worldly. Down The Road even reminds me of Muse on occasion. Strangled Words is the penultimate track, and carries on with this side’s musical theme of being acoustic guitar driven. When the guitar does finally become energized, the chord pattern is very interesting. Last track is Some Other Rainbow Part 2, and the dark melancholy vibe continues.
This was the first Ork album I heard and I was blown away by the vocals and the instrumentation. I do like things that go down a different path and challenge the listener, and I would recommend this album for those of you who like the same.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
