VOKONIS

Odyssey THE SIGN

Sweden’s progressive doom crew switch into a new key

Vokonis’s progressively laced third album, 2019’s Grasping Time, evolved their regular doomy persuasions towards more intricate, Mastodon-esque musings. They cut through the sludge with a combination of broader compositions and the addition of Simon Ohlsson’s clean vocals, adding a sophisticated texture to the listening experience. On Odyssey,

they’ve taken things a step further with the welcoming of Per Wiberg. The Spiritual Beggars and former Opeth keyboardist provides an unmistakable nostalgic flourish on the sprawling title track as the keyboard melodies suffuse their craggy, progressive riffs. But while the celebrity cameo definitely adds some spice to their fourth album it’s those choppy, tumbling arrangements and Ohlsson’s vocal melodies

– a sublime counter to Jonte Johansson’s bark – that brings Odyssey to life, especially on the rhythmic psychedelia of Azure and Hollow Waters’ anthemic, ambitious stature. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Baroness, Mastodon, Yob

HOLLY WRIGHT