No Omega
Culture
(Dog Knights Productions)
Some underground labels are great proving grounds for new talent, like Throatruiner Records, who has continually showcased top-flight hardcore and metal artists (i.e., Primitive Man, Birds In Row, Plebian Grandstand), many of whom have gone on to bigger and better things. One of those artists on the rise is Swedish dark hardcore group No Omega. Their apocalyptic metallic hardcore style is quite fitting, as they do capture the soundtrack of our impending doom, with a vibrant yet melancholic sound that digs itself into your bone marrow. Their ability to connect with human emotion and convey a sense of the inevitable end is impressive, even if their style is not exactly groundbreaking (they really do fit in well with the European metallic hardcore scene). The personal and social frustrations help fuel the sonic madness.
To note, engineer Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker) lent his mixing and mastering hand to Culture, and his ability to make this album sound massive while relishing in its imperfections is impressive. On much of Culture, No Omega sounds like a band coming undone, and the fact that the band prefers aggression over precision (even in the quieter moments) helps make the record a compelling listen throughout. The Swedish group have added a significant dose of post-black metal to their arsenal, which makes Shirley a great fit (see above). The song structures are complex, leading to a disorienting and discomforting listen. However, stick around a bit, as Culture takes its time to stick, but it’s worth the effort.
To that end, few individual songs really stand out, but the whole is greater than the parts. Things take a bit of a dive after the bombastic “Cog”, with a few lesser, slower numbers that come across like chaotic melodic hardcore tunes diluting the record’s punch. No Omega have crafted an impressive collection with Culture, and while their sonic evolution doesn’t help them stand out from the crowd, No Omega have shown they know their way around a record. This Swedish group are certainly one to watch.
