Seven minutes of deathly splendor in Oryx‘s new single “Myopic.” The Denver trio founded by the partnered team of guitarist/vocalist Thomas Davis and drummer Abigail Davis and now completed by bassist Joshua Kauffman are set to release their four-song long-player, Primordial Sky, this Fall through Translation Loss. That same label released the band’s last outing, Lamenting a Dead World (discussed here), and if you heard that record and reasonably wondered where on earth one might possibly go from there, the answer “Myopic” seems to provide is ‘deeper.’

Deeper and perhaps more open. I won’t count on the single to speak for the entirety of the album even if it’s a quarter of the tracklisting, but as immersive as “Myopic” is, it’s also spacious and fluid. The crashes before its post-midsection acoustic break come across as particularly fervent, but they’re no less accounted for in terms of scope than the strum that follows and serves as the foundation for the onslaught that follows. Shit is heavy, kids. If you prefer your records noncorporeal, the digital release is Oct. 18. Vinyl hounds wait until Nov. 22, but surely that will come with additional anticipation and self-congratulations at defying the instant gratification of our age, and what feels better than that kind of self-appointed moral superiority? I won’t tell you how to hear it, or even to hear it — I’m not your boss — but the arguments in favor of doing so are myriad, and the stunning John Harris cover art begs to be held.

I have more to say on this one, and I’ll hope the time between now and Oct./Nov. provides a chance to do so. Either way, here’s the info for the album and the all-crucial preorder link, courtesy of the PR wire:

Denver Doom Masterminds Oryx Announce Primordial Sky!

Denver doom/sludge masterminds Oryx announce Primordial Sky, the bands fourth studio album, for release on October 18, 2024 (digital) via Translation Loss Records.

Primordial Sky shows the trio, comprised of husband-and-wife duo Thomas (guitars & vocals) and Abigail (drummer) Davis, joined by bassist Joshua Kauffman – embracing a powerful statement of sonic devastation. Amidst a mood of profound contemplation, the lyrics delve into subjects capturing the struggle of mortality and existence. With a penchant for creating an oppressive atmosphere, Primordial Sky delivers slow-burning behemoths that ascend to staggering crescendos. Oryx is the sonic embodiment of desolation, a monolithic wall of sound that demands to be experienced at full volume.

About the track and the album release, vocalist & guitarist Thomas Davis shares:

“Lyrically, “Myopic” is a requiem portraying a state of conflict with the human condition amidst a deep-seated psychosis that demands immediate gratification, simultaneously speeding towards an extinction event of our own creation. Writing this song involved a multi-faceted approach, incorporating bass and guitar harmonies, an acoustic interlude, and pummeling drums. This song is one of Primordial Sky’s most aggressive and energetic tracks, while still featuring the intricate layering embodied throughout the rest of the album. Primordial Sky is ORYX’s pinnacle offering to date, showcasing each member’s best work and a surgical collective approach to exploring deeply expressive songwriting. Writing and recording these songs has been an immensely cathartic journey, one that we are eager to share with the world.”

Primordial Sky features stunning album artwork by world renowned Sci-Fi/NASA artist, John Harris.

The album will be released digitally worldwide on October 18, 2024 and on vinyl November 22, 2024. Three limited edition vinyl variants will be avail via Translation Loss Records.

Pre-order is available now HERE: https://translationloss.com/

– VINYL –

Pink Edition (limited to 300 copies)

Bone White with Splatter Edition (Limited to 100 copies)

Custom Three Color Merge with Splatter Edition (Limited to 100 copies)

Track Listing:
1. Primordial Sky
2. Myopic
3. Ephemeral
4. Look Upon The Earth

Recording Details:
Recorded in January 2024 at Archive Recordings in Salt Lake City, UT.
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Wes Johnson.
Promo photo by Mitch Kline.

ORYX is:
Thomas Davis – all guitars, vocals, synth
Abigail Davis – drums
Joshua Kauffman – bass

https://www.facebook.com/theeoryx
https://www.instagram.com/thebandoryx/
https://oryx.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TranslationLossRecords/
https://www.instagram.com/translationlossrecords/
https://translationloss.com/
http://translationlossrecords.bigcartel.com/

Oryx, “Myopic”

Oryx, Primordial Sky (2024)