EP Review:
ÅHM “The Mechanics of Falling Apart”
The Swedes
gave us death metal, black metal and some truly outstanding musicians over the
years, but this is actually my first serious encounter with a Swedish band
operating in the alternative rock, grunge and post-rock territories. And
believe me, ÅHM have made quite an impression!
We kick
things off with “Rotor”, which initially opens with melodic vocals that
almost make you think you're about to hear another Europe-inspired rock anthem.
But don't be fooled! A thick, dirty guitar riff soon takes over, revealing what
ÅHM are really about. After the first minute, we're transported straight to
Seattle, with a sound that strongly recalls the legendary Alice in Chains. The
vocals, riffs and atmosphere are all there, and the comparison is genuinely
flattering. I even had to check their biography to see whether Layne Staley had
a Swedish cousin hiding somewhere in the lineup! Thankfully, it's simply ÅHM
doing their thing.
Next comes “They Drain”, a slower and more laid-back number that leans even further into classic grunge. Imagine a well-crafted mixture of Alice in Chains and Nirvana, with shades of “Heart-Shaped Box” running through its melancholic atmosphere. A very pleasant trip back to the golden days of Seattle!
“The Ash
Of The Sermon (EP Mix)” brings a heavier dimension, with dissonant, crushing riffs that flirt
with pure post-metal. The grunge-flavoured vocals provide an interesting
contrast, keeping the track accessible without sacrificing its darker
character. The remix also offers a clearer, more open sound compared to the
original single.
“You
Will Yield To Me”
slows things down again, delivering a quieter moment that brings to mind
Nirvana's “Something in the Way”. Sometimes you just need that kind of
breathing space.
Then comes “Memorial
Garden”, another previously released single, presented here with more punch
and clarity. What really stands out is the organic drumming. Nothing feels
mechanically locked into place, and that's precisely the beauty of this
recording.
Finally, “Fall
Apart” closes the EP with seven minutes of slow-building melancholy,
starting with gentle arpeggios and atmospheric vocals before gradually
introducing heavier, doom-laden and post-metal riffs. Its final minutes offer a
particularly satisfying eruption of distorted guitars.
ÅHM have
delivered an honest, nostalgic and wonderfully human record. No unnecessary
tricks, just great songwriting and genuine musicianship. Well done, guys!
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