'Organasm', the fourth full length release, was a breakthrough album for Alchemist, at least here in Europe. So, it was my first contact with this Oz band.

Starting with a sampled didgeridoo, Oz-mosphere is set right from the beginning. However, the band's aural spectrum does include something else, too. 'Organasm' is a rhythm-heavy experience. Varying drums really stick out on this album, probably due to reverbed riffing reminding me of Canadian legends Voivod. But there's more to the guitars, from a lot of atmospheric stuff to heavy riffage. Keyboards are fairly Hawkwind-esque if not that far "out there", so one can expect some scifi/space sounds. Songs evolve, they aren't over after a chorus. I think the songs could be a bit more varying, after all this lasts for over 50 minutes. Generally, Alchemist mix metal with trippy rock, creating an unique enough style. Sound is clean, but maybe somewhat lacking in heaviness.

Lyrics are utopian/dystopian science at first glance, but have different meanings too I believe. 'Evolution Trilogy' tells a tale of mankind, from microscopic lifeforms to the drive for self destruction. There's more of awareness in the lyrics, too. We rape Earth, it rapes us. Simple. This is good stuff for science (fiction) fans. Vocals are dry, pretty much in vein of Killing Joke's Jaz Coleman style harsh throat abuse, with some cleaner singing. Not really my cup of tea.

'Organasm' is a tough album to dig into and it really haven't opened to me during many a spin. If you seek personality and some kind of experience out of ordinary, you should try Alchemist even if above-mentioned bands aren't your stuff, because Alchemist are quite unique-sounding quartet.

Rating: 6- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/02/2005 22:41