Seeking revenge for the death of her son, Grendel’s mother drives her sword into Beowulf. “This on the axis læg / breostnet broden”, writes the poet of Beowulf , “þæt gebearh feore, / wið ord ond wið ecge ingang forstod”. For those who don’t know Old English fluently: Beowulf’s chainmail saved his life, withstanding both the edge and the “ord” (point/spear) of the vengeful matriarch’s sword. From that archaic term for a sword’s spearpoint, Ordh takes its name, which may suggest to readers an Anglo-Saxon war metal group. This (murderous) artwork by Paolo Girardi, however, shouts cosmic-prog death, with Blind in Abyssal Realms being the Vermont quartet’s first full assault on the metal community. Ordh should be sharper than Grendel’s mother’s sword, though, since the general chainmail of progressive death metal is more tightly woven than the one adorning the King of Giants.
The cosmic-prog death of Blind in Abyssal Realms claims roots in a more earthy subgenre. After the breakup of progressive sludge bands Barishi, guitarist Graham Brooks joined forces with vocalist Jonathan Hébert of sludge-doomers Come to Grief to form a new band. Moving from sludge to the weight of death metal while retaining progressive and doom elements, Ordh end up sounding like an atmospheric Mortiferum. Brooks’s riffs, whether on low or high strings, always have grandeur, and his solos flash like Jackson Pollock splattering paint on a canvas. Brooks also handled the album’s synthesizers, which are noticeable but never overpower the guitar work. Hébert’s gutturals keep things earthy, howling at the sky from his earthly cave. Along with Brooks and Hébert are rhythm section Josh Smith (bass) and Dylan Blake (drums, formerly Barishi). Blake especially stands out, combining typical death-metal pounding with jazz roving and glorious rototom runs. Given Ordh‘s previous experience in sludge, it’s impressive how sharp their first attempt at cosmic-prog death is, as they stand against bands like Cosmic Putrefaction and Blood Incantation .
What makes Blind in Abyssal Realms so impressive is its balance of atmosphere with immediately memorable riffs. The opening “Apis Bull” demonstrates this dichotomy perfectly. The big, supple Old peth figure alternates with a spaced-out, higher-pitched version of itself before exploring new ground. Similarly, “Moon of Urd” emerges with a delightfully deranged ear that reveals a rich blanket of pure psychic twilight. “Phlegraean Fields”, the most adventurous song here, builds a constantly transforming, synth-laden melody, capturing a foreigner examining a mythical landscape with curiosity that borders on terror. From the start, Ordh understand that the “cosmic” in “cosmic-prog death” shouldn’t be aesthetic. Indeed, the synthesizers consistently support excellent riffs on this debut, giving them enriching depth.
Some aspects of Blind in Abyssal Realms blunt its attack. Production-wise, the record sounds good but lacks low frequencies. The caveman parts aren’t as strong as they should be. Blake’s kick drum could use more oomph, and Smith’s bass is often hard to detect in anything but clean passages. As for the album’s pacing, the last two tracks don’t quite live up to the ascending quality of the opening trio. “Blind in Abyssal Realms” is a strong song that, at over 12 minutes, could use editing. “Hierothesion” refreshingly closes the record as its most straightforward pummeler, but likewise, a little brevity would enhance its impact. And as for originality, Ordh mostly sound like themselves, though occasionally, the combinations of blast beats, dive bombs and “aaghs!” are a bit too indebted to Blood Incantation .
Beyond the subtle shades, Ordh confirm they’re right with Blind in Abyssal Realms. It’s an impressive debut that makes its mark on progressive death metal. Made up of five tracks in a little under 45 minutes, Blind in Abyssal Realms proceeds as a filler-free affair, violently trading slash for loose parries in a way that invites repeat visits. Lovers of the genre should definitely wrestle with this sonic sword. Swīðe gōd weorc, Ordh !
Rating : 3.5/5.0
DR : 6 | Format reviewed : 320 kbps mp3
Label : Pulverised Records
Websites : Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook
Worldwide release : April 17, 2026
