The cover of Ølten‘s terrific new album, Mode, couldn’t be more misleading if it tried. It’s a neat shot, but it’s certainly not the kind of image you’d expect from a band whose website describes them simply as “a Swiss heavy rock porn sludge instrumental trio” that “play loud.” Yes, they did sneak “porn” in there, and no, we don’t quite get it either—but that single word aside, the statement more or less hits the nail on the head. Mode is abundantly heavy and best enjoyed very loud, and it’s one of the most thoroughly engaging albums of the young year. Continue reading
Nine Circles 