Oecist is the post-metal solo project of San Antonio, Texas-based multi-instrumentalist BJ Dierkes, known for his work with The Ground and other acts. Oecist draws on a multitude of influences, such as the late 90’s Florida hardcore scene and the more modern emergence of progressive, instrumental composition to create its signature sound, an experiment in all things alternative.
Oecists's debut EP XVII LIII contains of 5 tracks and Oecist really demonstrate various elements of the current instrumental sub-genres, mixing them all together resulting in a very eclectic post-whatever mix. Opening track ‘Awake, Breathe In’ for example starts with some beautiful post-rock sounding guitar effects that slowly build up adding layer upon layer, until the heavier elements come through, thereby leaning more on the post-metal side. There are parts with some heavy double bass drumming as well later on in the track, which provide some good headbang and/or airdrum material, making it sound comparable to similar genre bands such as Pelican and Russian Circles.
This formula continues throughout the rest of the EP, with always some heavy metal-like guitar shredding and riffing as the red line going through the heavier parts of the tracks. But through the relative heaviness there’s always plenty of atmosphere coming through, thereby keeping the songs flowing nicely and also keeping them really interesting. Instrumental music can have a tendency to edge towards boredom or simply falling into the trap of repeating itself very easily, but Oecist keeps the listener focused and there are plenty of little elements breaking up the songs at just the right times, making XVII LIII a very pleasant and interesting listen. I suppose that it helps that Oecist kept the songs quite short, for this musical genre at least, which makes XVII LIII a very potent EP and definitely makes me excited to hear what DJ Dierkes will do with the full-length release which is planned for next year.
Listen here to an exclusive stream of XVII LIII, which will be digitally released on the 1st of September through Crowquill Records.
