It’s real hard not to appreciate the overall tone of this band. The guitar and bass blend so perfectly, so loud, so open, so sludge. It’s these kinds of bands have the best sound even if they are lacking in other departments (i.e. songwriting, impressive guitar ability, etc.). The saturation of the tube-driven guitar goo, the behemoth bass on overdrive, and the deep, 26-inch bass throb all always works for me. It’s raw and in your face yet has a huge sound. Think NEUROSIS or HIGH ON FIRE. The vocals are very monochromatic yet luckily they don’t take away from the music. The vocals are mostly of the Sam Kinison variety.

“Lowlands” opens with some very busy basslines going on during the faster riffing. The mid song breakdown is MELVINS slow. “Time and Tide” starts with bass the way a classic hardcore tune would begin, and goes on to include some killer B-3 sounding organ. In the middle/bridge comes a JETHRO TULL/DEEP PURPLE riff with the organ impersonating a flute here and there. “Another Casualty” includes a ring modulated, filtered guitar effect or perhaps a dentist’s drill? It’s there at the intro, middle and end of the track; not only would I say it’s effective but something that sets these guys apart. Hopefully a full length will have more of this kind of experimentation. As much promise as this demo shows, I’m hoping this outfit can deliver when it comes to a full-length release.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/onitadoom

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