Ode by OMITIR

The one-man project from Portugal known as OMITIR, under the masterful guidance of Gróvio, releases "Ode" that transcends the boundaries of conventional black metal, weaving to the portuguese landscapes that delve deep into the annals of the Gallaecian history and folklore. 

"Ode"it's atestament to the proto-capitalism of the middle ages, the emancipation of the Catholic Church, and the suppression of Portugal's rich pagan heritage. Gróvio skillfully intertwines elements of Portuguese traditional folk music, infusing the album with the soul-stirring melodies of the accordion and classical guitar. The album's overarching theme revolves around the struggles of the rural population in old Portugal, enduring backbreaking labor under the yoke of exploitative feudal lords as demonstrated in the cover artwork featuring paintings for those who fought by the renowned Portuguese artist José Branco Malhoa. With lyrical depth and poetic imagery, Gróvio paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, invoking a sense of nostalgia for a time long past serving as a manifesto, shedding light on the systemic inequalities that persisted during this tumultuous period.

The role of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages is another central theme explored in "Ode." As the Church gained unprecedented influence, it sought to suppress Portugal's indigenous pagan beliefs of the Gallaecian people. The struggle for spiritual autonomy and the preservation of ancestral beliefs is poignantly portrayed, creating a sense of spiritual tension within the music and pays homage to the pagan deities of Portugal, reviving their memory and significance. Nabia, Larouco, Bandua, Cale, and others are invoked through the music, as if summoning the spirits of the past to bear witness to the injustices suffered by their worshippers. These ancient gods serve as symbols of resistance against the encroachment of Christianity, reminding us of the enduring strength of Portugal's indigenous culture.

Loudriver Records is a record label dedicated to Black Metal and Dungeon Synth.

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