O.R.k pitch gentle dexterity against bludgeon on the beautiful Screamnasium

Screamnasium is the fourth album from Anglo-Italian proggers O.R.k

O.R.k: Screamnasium cover art
(Image: © Kscope)

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When Robert Fripp said: “Music is the cup which holds the wine of silence,” he could have been theorising over this band. When the raging prog of Screamnasium abates to reveal a core of quietness, the sound of O.R.k. becomes a vessel of beauty. 

The quartet – ex-Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin, singer LEF, King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto and guitarist Carmelo Pipitone – revel in the quiet/loud dynamic, pitching gentle dexterity against bludgeon. 

Opener As I Leave is a perfect example of the effect. On the more frantic Unspoken Words, LEF sings over fabulous drumming and bass-playing with shades of Chris Cornell

Then on Hope For The Ordinary and Something Broke, Pipitone riffs the house down in splendid fury. All this plus Italian vocalist Elisa on Consequence and virtuoso cellist Jo Quail on closer Someone Waits. Drink it all in.

Neil Jeffries

Freelance contributor to Classic Rock and several of its offshoots since 2006. In the 1980s he began a 15-year spell working for Kerrang! intially as a cub reviewer and later as Geoff Barton’s deputy and then pouring precious metal into test tubes as editor of its Special Projects division. Has spent quality time with Robert Plant, Keith Richards, Ritchie Blackmore, Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore – and also spent time in a maximum security prison alongside Love/Hate. Loves Rush. Aerosmith and beer. Will work for food.