CD Review: Opycham's 'new-age.om'

Opycham
new-age.om
Sketis Music

Opycham's latest release, new.age.om, was recorded in Tuva, which is spearheaded by drummer and percussionist, Rasputin (of Yat-Kha-fame). The meditative and monastic eight-track release celebrates various religions including Russian faiths, Buddhism, and Shamanism. The album contains a backdrop of various rain sounds, fire, birds, insects, and water-flows for a very earthy element. The pensive instrumentation is rather light and alternative and comprises the cello, djumbush (like a Turkish tanbur), guitar, and hand-percussion. The music is vocal, but very entrancing overall. The subtle inflections of earthy elements and hypnotic vocals make Opycham's latest release well-worth a listen. Fans of shamanic, alternative, new age, Russian folk, and European music will love it. It's a great way to unwind! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Opycham's 'S.T.I.H.I.'

Opycham

S.T.I.H.I.

Sketis Music

As the lead drummer for Yat Kha, Opycham, otherwise known as Evgeny Tkachov, tones it down a bit with a rather quiet release of sung poetry. The album only contains three tracks of sung poetry, nature sounds, and light percussion. This is not a release for anyone looking for band music or throat-singing from Tuva. This is old Russian poetry sung without much instrumental accompaniment. There are some instances with little singing and several minutes of fire crackling, water rippling, birds singing, or a shamanic drum beat and cymbals. This is a great folklore release for Russian poetry fans and anyone else looking for something new. ~ Matthew Forss