Portland, Maine doom missionaries OGRE stole our collective attention with a fantastic debut in 2003, smoothly evaded the sophomore slump with 2006's resplendent "Seven Hells", and have returned at long last to complete the trifecta. The band has shown a flair for sonic progression without swaying from their winning formula; trudging, VITUS-inspired riffs, mammoth wailing guitars, and Ed Cunningham's fiendish vocal hysterics.

As it stands, cherished copies of "Lysol" and "Dopesmoker" will have to move over and make room for "Plague of the Planet" - a single 37 minute track furthering the primordial, apocalyptic, and futuristic themes of the band's previous works. It's an epic rock 'n roll experience of fabulous proportions. Bizarre creatures and strange robots wrangle and clash! Majestic Adrian Smith-style guitar harmonies burst furiously from the hi-fi! Elephantine riffs snowball into rattling quick-fire rumbles! Surges of tension ebb and flow SABBATH-style under brutishly villainous vocals! Ken Hensley's organ from the "Look at Yourself" sessions appears out of nowhere, and percussion rises and falls from pitters 'n pats to titanic, crashing rolls.

Overall, "Plague of the Planet" is a commanding performance, striking in immediacy and constantly budding with enchanting traits over repeat listens. Now, quit hunching over this machine, get out there and grab your copy.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.ogrerock.com

RELATED ITEMS: OGRE - "Seven Hells", 2006