What makes Seminar II: The Holy Rites of Primitivism Regressionism by Old Man Gloom notable?

Seminar II is notable for its bold experimentation within the metal genre, receiving attention for its unconventional structure and dark thematic content. The album's critical reception highlighted its influence on subsequent post-metal bands and its role in shaping the genre's evolution during the early 2000s. By the time Old Man Gloom released Seminar II in March 2001, they had established themselves as a significant force in the post-metal and sludge metal scenes, following their debut album, 'Medusa,' in 1999. This release marked a continuation of their experimental approach, further solidifying their reputation for blending heavy soundscapes with abstract themes.

How many songs are on Seminar II: The Holy Rites of Primitivism Regressionism?

Seminar II: The Holy Rites of Primitivism Regressionism has 17 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Seminar II: The Holy Rites of Primitivism Regressionism

Old Man Gloom · 2001

58 min · 17 tracks · sludge metal

A harrowing exploration of sound, blending dissonance and atmosphere to create an unsettling yet captivating auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bells Dark Above Our Heads — This track showcases the band's ability to fuse haunting melodies with crushing riffs, creating a dramatic tension that encapsulates the album's overall sound.
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Hot Salvation — With its dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and intense crescendos, this track exemplifies Old Man Gloom's signature approach to songwriting and emotional expression.
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Meditation in B Parts V & VI — This sprawling piece highlights the band's experimental side, using ambient textures to build an immersive soundscape that contrasts sharply with their heavier tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's unconventional structure and heavy atmosphere create a unique listening experience within the sludge metal genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, often exceeding six minutes, with several pieces extending beyond ten minutes, creating a slow, immersive experience.
Dissonant guitar riffs and heavy, sludgy rhythms dominate the sound, frequently shifting dynamics to maintain tension and unease throughout.
Many tracks incorporate ambient interludes or noise elements that disrupt traditional song structures, contributing to an overall sense of disorientation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Brain Returns to Initial State 0:53
2 Bells Dark Above Our Heads 4:11
3 Branch Breaker 0:51
4 Radio Crackles Spill Down My Face 1:33
5 Hot Salvation 3:10
6 Breath Drops Out in Ice and Glass 5:57
7 Rape Athena 1:46
8 Roar of the Forest Rose to Thunder 2:24
9 Clenched Tight in the Fist of God 2:16
10 ...Only Dogs Hear (Here) 0:51
11 Jaws of the Lion 2:42
12 Smoke Out Loud 6:26
13 Deserts in Your Eyes 3:09
14 Meditation in B Parts V & VI 5:48
15 Cinders of the Simian Psyche 2:43
16 Three Ring Ocean Sideshow 5:43
17 Mandied (Self: Reborn) 8:10

What to play next

Listen next

Seminar III: Zozobra

2001

Go back to

Meditations in B

2000

Full Old Man Gloom discography Artists like Old Man Gloom

post-metal sludge metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata