Somnium

Somnium is a hard rock and heavy metal group from North Carolina, United States. The name is also used by several other acts, but this entry refers to the United States group.

Style and background

The band begins in February 2015 under the earlier name Oxymoron as a duo, with guitar and drums. Its sound develops over time and adds new elements, with a base of punchy riffs, floating melodies and hypnotic motifs. The music also draws on blues, garage rock and psychedelia, and is described as a form of progressive rock and stoner rock.

Live reputation

Descriptions of the group’s performances emphasise its layered psychedelic and experimental sound, with harmony, spaced-out vocals, intricate riffs and clear changes in tempo and mood. It is also noted for playing slow, chaotic and strange melodies that stand apart from other bands on the bill.

Recognition

Somnium appears in a list of top Adelaide psych bands, reflecting its association with the Adelaide psych and stoner-rock scene in its earlier form as Oxymoron.