Review by David Feltman
OMAAF’s technical prowess is a source of unceasing wonder. For a local, indie grindcore band, one may expect little more than a bunch of kids punishing their instruments. But honestly, OMAAF is better than most modern, big label metal acts. Of course if you heard the band’s debut EP, you already knew that.
For its first (and cumbersomely named) full length, the band goes for broke. OMAAF has built its name on experimentation and the band certainly doesn’t back down here. Tracks like “Celestial Graveyard” and “10-29-29” are filled with breakdowns, unexpected solos, ever-changing time signatures, little baby songs nested in, overlapping and occasionally interrupting other larger songs. It’s progressive as hell, which is all the more remarkable considering grindcore (a genre defined by its punk-like simplicity) is not easily given to such experimentation.
Eleven tracks may seem way too short for a grindcore album, but the songs range anywhere between 4 seconds and 8 minutes in length. There is a lot going on this album, and every minute of it is incredible. It’s rare to find an album that takes so many risks and remains so consistently good, but OMAAF has seemed to find the magic formula. Born in a World Where They Still Fear Gods is easily among the best albums of the year.
You can find more about OMAAF on Facebook and get their album on CDBaby. You can also hear the full album on Bandcamp.