Om

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Om’s latest offering Pilgrimage is a lesson on how to make heavy, down tempo music. Creating music with such a large sound is even more impressive due to the fact this group consists of only two members. Al Cisneros handles bass and vocals while Chris Hakius mans the drums. Without a guitarist, Cisneros’ cranks the distortion on his bass, giving his instrument a guitar-like quality, while attacking listener’s speakers with a booming backdrop. The bass takes on characteristics of bass and guitar to such a degree that one may come to believe both instruments are part of the mix. Some single-person bands only play in the studio or acquire the services of session musicians for live performances. Om accosts their crowd with only two members, beating their drums back into the middle ages and pouncing the ears and bodies of audience members with mountainous bass. Om has always been and most likely will always be a two-person outfit.

Bulky sounds have been a familiar friend to both members for nearly eighteen years. The duo comprised two-thirds of the legendary doom act, Sleep. Following the gravelly path left behind by the Melvins to the north and the old school punch of Black Sabbath, the Northern California group proved instrumental in setting the stage for the Northern California doom scene, as well as influencing bands from around the globe. Shortly after the POWER trio split, all three members followed different musical paths from that of Sleep. Hakius and Cisneros formed Om, a deeper spiritual entity than Sleep, while Matt Pike formed the up-tempo, stoner rock outfit High on Fire.

Shortly after Om’s formation, the group signed with Southern Lord records. Considering the reputation Southern Lord has for releasing quality doom metal (Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson of Sunn o)))) own and operate the label), it is no wonder Om has flourished on the label. Since 2005, Om has released three well-received full-length albums, as well as releasing splits on Neurot and Holy Mountain (Cisneros clarified this label has no connection to Sleep’s album Holy Mountain). Additionally, the pair has spread its spiritual vibes across the world, and recently made a “pilgrimage” to the holy land, Jerusalem. Singer and bassist, Al Cisneros spoke to Blistering via email about the Om experience.

Blistering.com: Is this album a concept album?

Om : The continuity in this one release is applicable to all of them in a series as one unbroken expression. This goes for the entire discography. It is a sonic report from where we are. It is not a concept album. All of our releases are, to us, unbroken in continuity and content. It is the relativity of time that causes the perception of the music being separated, or that it is in different areas with "start points" and "end points.”

Blistering.com: A major facet in building this hypnotic mood is the repetition of the rhythms. What type of effect do you hope to instill upon the listener with your rhythms?

Om: We don't hope to do anything. We just play.

Blistering.com: A pilgrimage is a spiritual concept. You derive the name Om from the Hindu word that relates to Hindu meditation. Is Om a concept band?

Om: No, we initially didn't even want a band name but it would have been just called ____________, so you can see we had to select a verbal address so that others would know the band is playing or what record to hear the music on etc. We selected the root irreducible.

Blistering.com: The title track and album opener is organic and tranquil. You crack up the volume and distortion on the next track “Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead.” What do these contrasting moods do for you music?

Om: The music is just an extension of what is within, and the raising and lowering of levels, as well as volume happen because the music is alive, moving, and breathing. They are tools to prevent energy from becoming trapped.

Blistering.com: This is the first album released via Southern Lord. How do you feel about Southern Lord’s involvement with Om?

Om: Really good, we're happy with the label. Greg's (Anderson) really good to work with, understands what we're doing, and is supportive which is essential.

Blistering.com: Your band has released a couple split albums. Can you tell our readers about those split and where they can get them?

Om: We have a split 10' vinyl EP out with Current 93 on the Neurot Recordings label. That same release is available in CD edition from Durtro Jnana. Our other split release was with Six Organs of Admittance, it is on 7' vinyl only, which came out on Holy Mountain but is now out of print.

Blistering.com: You gained a large following from Sleep. Have a lot of your fans in Sleep followed your career with Om?

Om: There are many from the past that relate to and connect with what we are doing now. There are also, however, some who refuse to let the past go, they pretend to themselves that time stands still, and then they make themselves unhappy trying to uphold that.

Blistering.com: What is the major difference between the music Om plays and Sleep?

Om: Not seeing life the same way today as I did then. At that time, I was immersed in escape, leaving a lot unchecked. It was all I knew. Once Sleep ended, though, in the period of time I claimed to spend with myself, I underwent something that permanently changed me. I felt it on the most fundamental level of psyche. It caused me to really value being alive and embrace it rather than find ways to stay in the paradox of comfortable misery. I think music is just an extrusion of what is going on with a person within. I am more connected to the music I play today then I ever was in Sleep. I feel more connected to the center now than I did then, however, that’s on ongoing process where I may say the same thing at another time about this time right now.

Blistering.com: Om just completed two performances in Israel: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. How did these go?

Om: Jerusalem was the most incredible show we have ever played. The Old City emits such strong vibrations that we were overwhelming. We ended up playing a five-hour set. The time seemed to stand still as if it was fifteen minutes or something.

Blistering.com: What’s next for Om?

Om: More music. More shows. We’ll be working on Shrinebuilder over the next year. Lots planned.

www.omvibratory.com