Om

Om is a doom metal group from San Francisco, United States, active since 2003. The band begins as a duo formed by the rhythm section of Sleep and later continues as a trio. Its line-up includes Al Cisneros on vocals and bass and Chris Hakius on drums in its early period, with Emil Amos later joining on drums. Other members associated with the group include Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe and Tyler Trotter.

Style and imagery

The band’s music draws on doom metal, stoner metal, stoner rock, heavy psych, psychedelic rock and dub. Its earliest releases use musical structures associated with Tibetan and Byzantine chant, and the debut album Variations on a Theme reflects that approach. The group’s name comes from the Hindu concept of Om, understood as the natural vibration of the universe. From Pilgrimage onward, the album artwork uses Eastern Orthodox iconography.

Recordings and performances

Om’s first three albums feature Cisneros and Hakius. In 2007 the band performs in Jerusalem in a show that lasts for over five hours; part of the performance is later issued on 12-inch vinyl as Live at Jerusalem. The 2007 album Pilgrimage is chosen as Mojo magazine’s Underground Album of the Year.

After Hakius leaves in 2008, Emil Amos replaces him on drums. Later that year the band releases the 7-inch Gebel Barkal through Sub Pop’s Singles Club. A vinyl-only live LP, Conference Live, follows in 2009 on Important Records. The fourth studio album, God Is Good, is recorded by Steve Albini and released by Drag City. The fifth studio album, Advaitic Songs, also appears on Drag City and receives critical acclaim.