Oryad let their intentions known as a musical force with their debut release ‘’ Hymns of Exile & Decay’’ in 2021. the outfit from the Appalachians and Rocky Mountains in the USA has delivered a masterwork with their second album, Sacred and Profane.
Oryad’s music is as undefinable as it is immediate, visceral, and incredibly emotional. This is pure artistic freedom that is not bound by genres or pre-conceived notions. Led by the simply incredibly soprano vocals of Moira Murphy, Sacred and Profane is able to nimbly touch upon many varied styles all in celebration of the ritual. From the multi-octave classical delivery to pure blast beats on the simply excellent and powerful ‘’Éve’’, the achingly stunning introspective interpretation of ‘’Wayfaring Stranger’’ and then back to the heavy and industrial inflected rhythms of ‘’Scorched Earth’’
“Through the Veil “is simply a tour de force of vocal prowess, the piano and arrangement building towards an epic crescendo, whilst “Slice of Time” combines the metal along with powerful arrangements and a sense of urgency that demands your attention. From the jazz-infused ‘’Alchemy”’ it is the quieter moments of bookends ‘’The Path Part I and The Path Part II’’ that linger long in the memory, a feeling, something intangible yet as real as a lover’s breath, beautiful and haunting a gentle breeze that stirs the trees in the forest…
Sacred and Profane is not just progressive, gothic or doom, it is a sonic journey tinged with a deep connection to nature and reality. The vocals cannot be overstated enough, yet they are also so musically inspired that each track is a surprise yet coherent and thematic able to conjure dreams and moments of brilliance. A celebration of hope, love, and creation.
Oryad: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: USA
Reviewed by Sparky
