[Review] GOLGI APPARATUS - 'Breach' [Austrian Drone Doom / Post Metal]

I've been pondering this album for a couple of weeks now before putting my thoughts done on this tome, and not for the reasons that you might think. I'm in no doubt that this is an album I enjoy. However, describing what Italian Drone Doomsters Golgi Apparatus offer on their debut album 'Breach' is a challenging task but one I feel ready for having had the album, and especially opening track 'Orca' on repeat ad nauseum!


So let us begin with the already mentioned 'Orca'. Have you ever wondered what would happen if 'Mysterons' style Portishead and short lived UK sludge doom band Electric Mud Generator had a love child? No, nor had I. yet fear not for Golgi Apparatus have an answer for this never posed conundrum in the stunning 'Orca'. Combine zaney, droning, 'War of the Worlds' style synth, a crushing riff-age, bass and drumming combination and a ponderous, meticulous pace and that doesn't really do justice to this immense track. 'Orca' is my contender for song of 2020, from any band in any genre! Whilst the atmosphere generated through electric synth work and bone trembling riffs / bass steadily works it's way into your blood stream, the gritty vocal work and catchy lyrics completely draw you in. 'See us fly, see us dive. Into the deep, Into the Orca.'

Slower, more melodic and featuring some nice reverb and in places a more minimalist sound, 'Rigor Vitae' steadies proceedings down into a comfortable haze of ambience, though still not lacking in devastating monolithic riffs. It's nice to hear a more wider range of vocal work on display too, with the more guttural end of the spectrum being similar to my ear to 'Sonic Mass' era Amebix, whilst at the opposite end a more graceful, softer approach comes off well also. Title track 'Breach' marks the half way point and is really an instrumental interlude with more nerve jangling synth, slow deliberate drum beats and steely, methodical guitar play. Here the synth takes on a more travelling through outer space vibe than that previously used. Also some wonderfully place tremolo works superbly, and not for the first time on this album.

I like a band that keeps it's audience guessing and the hypnotic dirge like vocal work to start 'default' is a nice touch. A more groove laden track on the whole, though things to devolve into some punishing sludge laden riffs later on and the bass work is bone crunching in places. Finishing up with 'The Moth Cycle' and GA bring in a more primal, raw sound focusing on slow, rhythmic drum beats and more eerie synth. Oddly, whilst this song has the most disjointed structure I find it to be somewhat relaxing in a dark way. So overall then a beautiful piece of work from start to finish. 'Orca' especially is a must hear. I'll end on a plea... Please put this out on vinyl someone!! [9 out of 10]

https://golgimusic.bandcamp.com/releases