Emerging from the ashes of the legendary psychedelic doom band SLEEP, OM has carved a unique niche in the world of heavy music. Founded by bassist/vocalist Al Cisneros and guitarist Matt Pike, OM’s sound is a blend of heavy, hypnotic riffs, droning vocals, and Eastern-inspired elements.
After the dissolution of SLEEP in 1995 due to creative differences and label tensions, Cisneros and Pike took a much-needed break from music. During this hiatus, they found solace and inspiration in the Hindu concept of Om, which represents the natural vibration of the universe. This philosophical foundation would later become the band’s namesake.
In 2003, OM released their debut album, Variations on a Theme, which showcased their signature sound: a heavy, monolithic riff structure overlaid with Cisneros’s deep, meditative vocals. The band’s music often incorporates elements of Eastern spirituality, such as sitar and tabla, adding a unique dimension to their sound.
Over the years, OM’s lineup has evolved, with various drummers and guitarists contributing to their ever-expanding musical palette. However, the core elements of their sound—heavy riffs, droning vocals, and Eastern influences—have remained consistent.
One of OM’s most notable performances was their marathon concert in Jerusalem in 2007, which lasted over five hours. This epic event showcased the band’s ability to create a trance-like atmosphere through their hypnotic music.
In addition to their studio albums, OM has released several live albums, capturing the raw energy and intensity of their performances. Their music has been praised for its ability to evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence and introspection.
While OM’s sound may be rooted in the heavy metal genre, their music transcends labels and genres. Their unique blend of heavy riffs, Eastern influences, and meditative vocals has earned them a dedicated following among fans of psychedelic rock, doom metal, and experimental music.
Om live at Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco CA (08.15.04) First Official Show
OM’s Discography: A Deeper Dive
OM has released a collection of albums that showcase their unique blend of heavy, hypnotic riffs and Eastern-inspired elements. Here’s a more detailed look at each album:
OM’s Variations on a Theme: A Groundbreaking Debut
OM’s debut album, Variations on a Theme (2003), marked the beginning of their journey into the world of heavy, hypnotic music. This album established the band’s signature sound, which would become a defining characteristic of their career.
Key Elements of the Album:
- Heavy, Monolithic Riffs: The album features powerful, repetitive riffs that create a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere.
- Deep, Meditative Vocals: Al Cisneros’s deep, resonant vocals provide a haunting and soulful counterpoint to the heavy instrumentation.
- Eastern Influences: While not as prominent as in later albums, there are subtle hints of Eastern influences, particularly in the album’s meditative and introspective nature.
- Minimalist Approach: Variations on a Theme takes a minimalist approach, focusing on the essential elements of the music rather than complex arrangements.
Notable Tracks:
- “Variations on a Theme”: The title track showcases the album’s signature sound, with its heavy riffs and Cisneros’s deep vocals.
- “Gebelein”: This track features a more rhythmic and driving approach, while still maintaining the album’s overall meditative quality.
Critical Reception and Impact:
- Variations on a Theme was met with critical acclaim, praised for its innovative approach and unique sound.
- The album helped establish OM as a pioneering force in the world of heavy and experimental music.
- It laid the groundwork for the band’s future releases, shaping their signature sound and defining their artistic direction.
Variations on a Theme is a groundbreaking album that solidified OM’s position as a leading band in the heavy music scene. Its heavy, hypnotic riffs and deep, meditative vocals continue to resonate with fans and critics alike.
- Significance: This debut album established OM’s signature sound, featuring heavy, monolithic riffs and Cisneros’s deep, meditative vocals.
- Key Tracks: “Variations on a Theme,” “Gebelein”
Hypnotic Soundscapes: OM’s Pilgrimage
OM’s Pilgrimage (2007) marked a significant step forward in the band’s evolution, further solidifying their reputation for creating hypnotic and immersive music. This album showcased their ability to expand on their signature sound while maintaining their core principles.
Key Themes and Influences:
- Eastern Spirituality: Pilgrimage delves deeper into Eastern spirituality, with lyrics and themes inspired by Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
- Meditation and Contemplation: The album’s meditative and contemplative atmosphere is a central theme, reflecting OM’s ongoing exploration of spiritual concepts.
- Sonic Exploration: Pilgrimage features a wider range of soundscapes and textures, including the use of synthesizers and other electronic elements.
Notable Tracks:
- “10,000 Days”: This epic track showcases OM’s ability to create extended, hypnotic jams, with its repetitive riffs and droning vocals.
- “Om Namah Shivaya”: This mantra-based track is a powerful and meditative piece, featuring traditional Indian instrumentation and chanting.
- “Gebelein”: A re-recording of the track from their debut album, this version offers a new perspective on the song and showcases the band’s growth as musicians.
Critical Reception and Impact:
- Pilgrimage was met with critical acclaim, praised for its immersive atmosphere and spiritual depth.
- The album further solidified OM’s reputation as a leading band in the world of heavy and experimental music.
- It showcased the band’s ability to evolve and expand their sound while remaining true to their core principles.
Pilgrimage is a landmark album in OM’s discography, demonstrating their commitment to creating music that is both heavy and thought-provoking. Its hypnotic and immersive qualities have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Advaitic Songs: A Deep Dive into Eastern Philosophy
The groups Advaitic Songs (2009) marked a significant departure from their previous work, delving deeper into Eastern philosophy and spirituality. This album showcased the band’s exploration of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the unity of all existence.
Key Themes and Influences:
- Advaita Vedanta: The album’s title is a direct reference to this school of philosophy, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality.
- Meditation and Contemplation: The album’s meditative and contemplative atmosphere reflects the spiritual themes explored in Advaita Vedanta.
- Sonic Exploration: Advaitic Songs features a wider range of soundscapes and textures than previous albums, incorporating elements of ambient music and electronic sounds.
Notable Tracks:
- “Advaitic Song”: The title track is a powerful and meditative piece that explores the core concepts of Advaita Vedanta.
- “Meditation”: This track is a pure meditation on sound, with minimal instrumentation and a focus on atmosphere.
- “Om Namah Shivaya”: A re-recording of the track from Pilgrimage, this version offers a new perspective on the song and showcases the band’s growth as musicians.
Critical Reception and Impact:
- Advaitic Songs was met with critical acclaim, praised for its spiritual depth and innovative approach.
- The album further solidified their reputation as a leading band in the world of heavy and experimental music.
- It showcased the band’s ability to explore new sonic territories while remaining true to their core principles.
Advaitic Songs is a landmark album in the discography of the band, demonstrating their commitment to creating music that is both heavy and thought-provoking. Its exploration of Eastern philosophy and spirituality has made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
OM’s Self-Titled Album: Exploration of New Sound
OM’s self-titled album (2012) marked a significant departure from their previous work, showcasing the band’s willingness to explore new sonic territories. This album incorporated more ambient and experimental elements, while still maintaining their core principles of heavy, hypnotic music.
Key Themes and Influences:
- Ambient Music: The album features a strong influence of ambient music, with a focus on creating atmospheric and immersive soundscapes.
- Experimental Sounds: OM experimented with a wider range of sounds and textures, incorporating elements of electronic music and noise.
- Minimalism: The album maintains a minimalist approach, focusing on the essential elements of the music rather than complex arrangements.
Notable Tracks:
- “Om”: The title track is a powerful and meditative piece that showcases the album’s ambient and experimental qualities.
- “Emptiness”: This track delves deeper into the concept of emptiness, a central theme in Eastern philosophy.
- “Gebelein”: A re-recording of the track from their debut album, this version offers a new perspective on the song and showcases the band’s growth as musicians.
Critical Reception and Impact:
- The self-titled album was met with critical acclaim, praised for its innovative approach and experimental soundscapes.
- It further solidified OM’s reputation as a leading band in the world of heavy and experimental music.
- The album showcased the band’s ability to evolve and expand their sound while remaining true to their core principles.
OM’s self-titled album is a testament to their artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their music. This album serves as a landmark in their discography, showcasing their ability to create experimental and thought-provoking soundscapes.
5. State of Non-Return (2015)
The launch of the album State of Non-Return (2015) marked a significant departure from their previous work, delving deeper into experimental soundscapes and ambient music. This album showcased the band’s evolution and their willingness to explore new sonic territories.
Key Themes and Influences:
- Drone and Ambient Music: The album heavily emphasizes drone and ambient elements, creating a meditative and immersive atmosphere.
- Minimalism: State of Non-Return features a minimalist approach, with repetitive rhythms and simple melodies that gradually unfold over time.
- Eastern Philosophy: OM’s continued exploration of Eastern philosophy and spirituality is evident in the album’s contemplative and introspective nature.
Notable Tracks:
- “State of Non-Return”: The title track sets the tone for the album, with its droning guitars and atmospheric textures.
- “No Return”: This track features a more rhythmic approach, but still maintains the album’s overall meditative quality.
- “Meditation”: As the name suggests, this track is a pure meditation on sound, with minimal instrumentation and a focus on atmosphere.
Critical Reception and Impact:
- State of Non-Return was met with critical acclaim, praised for its innovative approach and immersive soundscapes.
- The album further solidified OM’s reputation as a pioneering force in the world of heavy and experimental music.
- It showcased the band’s ability to adapt and evolve while remaining true to their core principles.
Live Performances:
- OM’s live performances of material from State of Non-Return often feature extended jams and improvisations, allowing the band to explore the depths of their sound.
- These performances are known for their hypnotic and meditative qualities, creating a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
State of Non-Return is a testament to OM’s artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their music. This album serves as a landmark in their discography, showcasing their ability to create experimental and thought-provoking soundscapes.
Additional Notes:
- The band’s music has been described as “heavy, hypnotic, and meditative.”
- OM has incorporated elements of Eastern spirituality, such as sitar and tabla, into their music.
- The band has performed numerous marathon concerts, including a five-hour set in Jerusalem.
- OM’s music has been praised for its ability to evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence and introspection.
This expanded text provides additional context and details about OM’s history, music, and impact. It also highlights the band’s unique blend of heavy metal and Eastern influences, as well as their ability to create a trance-like atmosphere through their music.
