Redfog

Orbit Culture had undergone some changes during the interim between Rasen and their second EP, Redfog. Guitarist Maximilian Zinsmeister and bassist Christoffer Olsson had departed the band and made way for new additions Fredrik Lennartsson on bass and Richard Hansson on guitar. Although half of their lineup had changed, Orbit Culture persevered, and like the phoenix emerging from the ashes, came back as strong as ever with their new EP Redfog.

Redfog features Orbit Culture’s leanest and most refined songwriting thus far in their career and consists of five new tracks containing some of the band’s best material. Each of the songs on the EP have their own unique sound and can be easily distinguished from one another which was something I felt was a bit lacking on some of the bands earlier work. From the thrash riffs and punishing breakdowns of the title track “Redfog”, to the beautiful string melodies in “The Newborn One”, each track on Redfog is a unique experience for the listener to enjoy.

Although each track on Redfog stands on its own legs, there is one element that they all share: an infectious chorus. A prime example of this is the aptly named “Saw”, which features arguably the catchiest chorus the band has ever written fit between sawblade-like riffs and pounding drumbeats. The strength of the choruses on this EP can be credited to the catchy guitar leads and Karlsson’s singing voice which is more prominent than ever before. The track “See Through Me” almost contains singing the entire way through and is a strong demonstration that Karlsson has the vocal prowess to carry a song singing or growling.

While singing has taken a step forward on Redfog, make no mistake that Orbit Culture has still maintained their heaviness and aggressiveness from past releases. The final track “Way of the Masses” is worth noting for this reason because it has some of the bands heaviest riffs and does not feature singing until the melodic bridge section of the song. This track is an example that Orbit Culture knows how to pace a song and keep the listener interested by changing up the tone and adding variation to the traditional verse/chorus formula.

Orbit Culture seems to be a band that improves with every release and Redfog is no exception. The band continues to develop and refine its sound and has released its strongest work yet despite having lost half of its lineup. The songs on this EP demonstrate a band that is mastering its craft and leaves no question that Orbit Culture is a rising star.

88%

Favourite Songs: Redfog, Saw, Way of the Masses