When it comes to stoner/doom metal, one of the first names to come into the discussion is the Eugene, OR trio known as Yob.  Their initial run in the scene began in 1996 and ended in 2006, but not before releasing one of the most talked about albums in 2004’s The Illusion of Motion.  Since reforming in 2008, they have been hard at work to re-establish themselves in the scene, with the 2009 release The Great Cessation being the high point.

The accolades from that album have given the band some new life, as they have been playing more shows as of late, and with a new album in Atma, Yob is clearly ready to add an exclamation point to their standing within the doom metal scene.

If there is one thing that Yob has going for them before a single note is played on Atma, it is consistency, as in its music remains potent in getting the listener in a trance and keeping them there until the end.  Atma is no different when it comes to that, which is great news for Yob fans with even the highest of expectations.  Long songs are the order of the day, as they always are, yet on songs such as “Before We Dreamed of Two,” there are new wrinkles into the band’s sound.  Droning vocal lines to go along with the siren-like clean vocals and the abrasive harsh vocals add a new dimension to the Yob sound.  There is also a more progressive sound that challenges the listener, even at the slow pace in which Yob typically operates.  Yob doesn’t overlook any details, which is one reason why they are considered one of the best bands in the stoner/doom metal scene, as “Before We Dreamed of Two” and “Upon the Sight of the Other Shore” attest.  There are also some signs of the Illusion of Motion/The Unreal Never Lived-era Yob on the album, as evidenced on the opening track “Prepare the Ground.”  The serene parts on the album make an appearance and as utilized on “Adrift in the Ocean,” add another dimension to Yob’s overall sound. 

Atma is like the other Yob albums in that there is a great deal of quality within the music.  Where Atma sets itself apart is that it is also one of the more balanced albums that Yob has released to this point.  A worthy follow-up to The Great Cessation, Atma just adds to the growing reputation that Yob has made for themselves.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Prepare the Ground
2.  Atma
3.  Before We Dreamed of Two
4.  Upon the Sight of the Other Shore
5.  Adrift in the Ocean

Total playing time:  55:09

Release Date: August 16, 2011
Label: Profound Lore Records

YOB - Atma

Reviewer: Peter

July 26, 2011