Published: November 2013

There seems to be a friendly and indirect competition rising between Canadian “Hypnotic Dirge Records” and Russian “Solitude Productions”. Both labels are oriented towards very similar music, mostly to different kinds of Doom Metal and Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal. But those, who have taken a closer look at the releases from the Canadian side, should have definitely noticed that their bands are more experimental, weird and a little bit psychedelic. In other words - not the typical examples of the mentioned genres. Let’s take this Ukrainian band Odradek Room as an example. Though this is definitely Melodic Death/Doom Metal, but it shares a wide range of features from other styles. It has some stronger guitar parts that are rather typical for Black Metal. But at the same time the melancholy is much slower than you can imagine in a similar genre. Probably the Russian lyrics are the reason why I’m reminded of Kypck very much. And in general the music on this debut album from this four piece outfit has many decisions that could be faced as progressive ones. Definitely not a typical release, but rather interesting, though it would require much of your attention and even accumulation for the proper evaluation of the CD. Those, who prefer harmony against chaos, should probably avoid “Bardo. Relative Reality”. Others, keen on sadness, must try it, but be prepared for some kind of melancholic madness. Not the easiest listening, but definitely worth the attention.