Ras Algethi
Oneiricon - The White Hypnotic

Despite the sun, the sea, the Apennines, the oranges, and lemons; Italy has managed to produce many obscure bands. Cult bands loved and revered around the world. Don't believe it?

In the late '60s, a group even darker and more apocalyptic than Black Sabbath released two phenomenal albums. I'm talking about Jacula. In the '70s, the "progressive" company emanated dark entities of the caliber of Goblin and Biglietto per L'Inferno. In the '80s, it was Death SS (a mandatory touch of salt) and Paul Chain who held tight the scepter of darkness and sinister atmospheres. Naturally, in the following decade, a whole series of bands headed towards the shores of gothic and doom metal, often creating high-quality music. Some might cite Novembre or Aborym, but I prefer to mention other names.

Do you know Canaan? If yes, the band I will talk about had much in common with the previously mentioned name. Both in terms of sound and regarding the members and guests present in the two formations.

Ras Algethi was founded in Milan in the early '90s. The goal? To unite Doom Metal and Darkwave in a divine or, if you prefer, diabolical marriage. After a demo from 1993 (which I've never heard), here they are returning in 1995 with what would be their first and last official album: "Oneiricon - The White Hypnotic."

An album not immune to criticism but certainly one that knows how to be loved for its intense and painful atmospheres. Critics have defined it as "Funeral Doom," yet there's little in common with the sounds of Thergothon and Evoken.

You can hear the echoes of Paul Chain, the early Anathema, and historic bands like Joy Division, Christian Death, and even the most dreamlike Pink Floyd. All of this emerges in tracks like "Aldebaran Crossing," "When Fire Is Father," and "Keys of Urtam."

The singer's voice is very melancholic, at times whispered, but can also transform into grow vocals. Besides the three cited tracks, there are a total of eight, I feel obligated to highlight "Nubes Oscura." Perhaps the most metallic track of the bunch.

The production, like many cult records, isn't one of the best and honestly, diminishes the final result of "Oneiricon – The White Hypnotic" a bit. But this is a trifle compared to the greatness of an album loved by many doomsters and dark fans scattered around the world.

Don't dismiss Italian bands and give a listen to the more than valid Ras Algethi!