.png)
HEAVY HITTERS - TICKETS ON SALE NOW
THRASHVILLE 2026 - TICKETS ON SALE NOW
OLDOWAN GASH – 1000 DREAMS OF WAR
Available Now via Amor Fati / Feral Heart - OLDOWAN GASH has existed for roughly a decade, every now and then emerging from the darkness to unleash black metal upon the world. From California arises a mysterious being known as The Forlorn Spirit, a single entity responsible for the harrowing howls and fiery riffs of OLDOWAN GASH, accompanied by Longinus on session drums. 1000 Dreams of War marks a continuation of a concept from 2023 and the project’s second full-length production, stitched together with various session recordings by The Forlorn Spirit.
As a front The Forlorn Spirit is an agonised force, evident in the howls and raw screams they produce. 1000 Dreams of War grips and doesn’t let go, a whirlwind in the void. Despite this, lyrics are audible to a careful and immersed ear, honest and serving their purpose for the tales told. They serve particular power in “Brides of Orlok” – a brutal tale of struggles within vampiric lust, and title song “1000 Dreams of War” – the story of seeking ones’ prey.
Tracks have that classic black metal noise but differ in the cleanliness, as well as the exploration and expression they choose to create, particularly with the guitar work. “1000 Dreams of War” has a wicked guitar solo, while “Catechism of Shame (Word of Magic)” draws out atmosphere with its lingering chords and strums but also a running, frantic rhythm that is constant. At times the riffs are primal, while others blend into modern extravagance, such as heard in “Fighting Forever”.
Longinus’ work as a guest drummer brings oomph to the furious riffs, creating some explosive kicks and blast beats, like a wildly beating heart running both in and out of sync. “Catechism of Shame Pt I” has relentless drums and the title song “1000 Dreams of War” is bolstered by these techniques to give a militaristic sound. The percussion elevates the unique guitar style.
Memorable tracks include the brutal “Brides of Orlok”, opening with some truly unsettling notes, it oozes evil, succumbing to the dark. The song is broken with spoken word, adding to the experimental and unpredictable nature of 1000 Dreams of War. “Fighting Forever” is an epic conclusion, showcasing some gorgeously melodic guitar work that allows OLDOWAN GASH not to be forgotten in shadow but instead make its unique mark on the genre.
1000 Dreams of War is a haunting journey, oozing the desperation of man. It is sharp, wicked and structured in its chaos. With its modern, epic flair it tells a vivid tale, slipping one into a hallucinogenic, elevated state.
SCORE 9/10
Reviewed by GhostinthearmouR
%20(1).gif)
PRIMITIVE MOTH - CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER ARTISTS
%20(1).png)