Insomniac Debuts Album 'Om Moksha Ritam'

Atlanta-based supergroup Insomniac has released their debut album, Om Moksha Ritam, on September 1, 2025. The record, self-described as "post-doom," aims to take listeners on a unique "aural and spiritual journey." This album blends progressive psychedelia with textured soundscapes, drawing comparisons to bands like Elder, REZN, and Baroness, while establishing its own distinct identity.

A New Sound in "Post-Doom" Metal

Insomniac's debut album introduces a fresh perspective to the heavy music scene. The band combines elements from various genres, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative. Their approach merges the expansive, progressive qualities of Elder with the deep, layered textures often found in REZN's music. This combination is further influenced by the Southern Gothic style present in fellow Georgian band Baroness.

The resulting sound draws from the contemplative nature of 1970s progressive rock. It also incorporates Americana-infused blues rock and the powerful, riff-driven moments characteristic of sludgier post-metal. This blend allows the album to explore a wide range of musical expressions, moving from quiet introspection to moments of intense grandeur.

Vocal Prowess and Instrumental Synergy

A significant aspect of Om Moksha Ritam is the strong vocal presence of Van Bassman. His voice is a central element throughout the album's seven tracks. Bassman's style is described as a mix between a bluesier Dax Riggs and a more melodic John Baizley. His baritone vocals often sit prominently in the mix, supported by layered effects. This creates a "kaleidoscopic swirl" that enhances the musical dynamics, moving listeners through the album's varied emotional landscapes.

The intuitive chemistry among the instrumentalists also plays a crucial role. Guitarists Alex Avedissian and Mike Morris contribute to the album's diverse sound. Their willingness to combine acoustic passages with effects-laden electric tones provides a rich and versatile sonic palette. This balance allows the songs to transition smoothly between reflective sections and powerful, heavy passages.

"Each track is surprisingly vocal-driven, and Bassman conjures a sound somewhere between a bluesier Dax Riggs and a John Baizley who’s actually capable of singing."

Dynamic Guitar Work

The guitar performances on Om Moksha Ritam are consistently engaging. The guitarists weave intricate folk-inspired arpeggios with psychedelic leads on tracks like "Desert." They create harmonized, heavy atmospheres in "Mountain." They also use post-rock tremolos to build tension and punctuate climactic moments in songs such as "Meditation." This varied approach ensures that the guitar work remains interesting across the album.

A Strong Rhythm Section and Album Pacing

The effectiveness of Insomniac's sound relies heavily on its rhythm section. Drummer Amos Rifkin demonstrates a delicate touch on softer tracks like "Sea" and "Forest." However, he transitions to a thunderous intensity when the music demands it. This adaptability provides a solid foundation for the band's dynamic range.

Bassist Juan Garcia contributes a warm, full-bodied tone. His bass lines support and embellish the melodic core of each song. This anchoring quality is particularly important on expansive tracks such as "Snow and Ice," where dense layers of guitars and vocals could otherwise overwhelm the listener. The album's tracklist is well-paced, with each of its seven songs offering subtle variations on Insomniac's core musical formula.

According to the band, the album is designed to be a narrative listening experience. It seeks to convey metaphysical aspirations through its musical structure and lyrical themes. The deliberate arrangement of tracks helps to achieve this goal, guiding the listener through different sonic landscapes and emotional states.

Inconsistencies and Overall Impact

While the album largely succeeds in its ambitions, there are minor inconsistencies. The latter half of the album features slower, more introspective jams. These tracks may require repeated listens to fully appreciate, as they are not as immediately impactful as the opening songs. The closing track, "Awakening," approaches a monumental high but does not quite reach the same powerful climax as the initial tracks.

Musically, the record generally sounds excellent, with a good balance of its many intricate layers. However, in some moments, such as the refrains of "Mountain" and "Sea," Bassman's vocals can slightly overshadow the other instruments. These minor points do not significantly detract from the album's overall quality and impact.

The album delivers a unique, psychedelic "post-doom" metal experience. It combines familiar elements from acclaimed bands into a cohesive and greater whole. Insomniac has crafted a musical journey that is both immersive and rewarding, inviting listeners to explore its intricate soundscapes.

The band has also dedicated the album and all subsequent performances to guitarist Mike Morris, who passed unexpectedly before the album's release. His contributions to the record are noted as genuinely great, adding a layer of poignancy to the listening experience.

• Album Length: 7 tracks
• Average Dynamic Range: 7 DR
• Format Reviewed: PCM

Om Moksha Ritam by INSOMNIAC