This is the third album from Ocultum, a doom band from Chile.
Buena Muerte is a 39-minute doom record that takes influence from the stoner and sludge styles. Ocultum have big presence, heavy riffs, a filthy sound, and crushing songs. What’s not to like?
Ocultum lean into the bedrock of the genre, digging deep to unearth a dirt-ridden trove of gems. Classic elements of doom metal, stoner doom, and sludge all come together under the band’s lovingly foul embrace, unleashing songs that feel instantly familiar, but without sounding stale.
The record has a satisfying production, warm with decaying gasses, that makes it very easy to listen to. The songs are heavy and psychedelic. The riffs last for days and the murky grooves are sludgy and weighty. There is a nasty, aggressive edge to Ocultum’s doom that I like very much; this isn’t just about doom metal psychedelia, but also about smashing your enemies with unyielding force. Buena Muerte offers up vast, massive, doomed soundscapes, and then drops them on you again and again until you’re a fine red paste.
Very good stuff here from Ocultum. Buena Muerte is an enjoyable album. Lose yourself in its murky depths, as the distorted waves crash over you.
Highly recommended. Ocultum are a band that you’ll surely like if you’re a fan of Bongripper, Church of Misery, Dopethrone, Electric Wizard, Sleep, etc.
Wonderbox Metal 