Review: Osiria "Closed Doors, Closed Windows"
Halloween is shaping up to be a good one already with the promise of this next release. Osiria is an alternative rock/post-hardcore band hailing from the shores of San Diego, and this new release is a definite welcome addition to the bands repertoire. Osiria's latest release "Closed Doors, Closed Windows" is a dark enchanting number that reveals the direction the band will be going in the future - a definite departure from the band's first acoustic EP, The Crisis, which had a more somber unplugged vibe throughout. This electric foray gives the band a fully fleshed out sound, as this theatrical release goes for a full wall of sound that is soaked in a haunting aesthetic. For this single, the band went and recorded in Wolfe Studios with Brandon Wolfe and Jeremy Valentyne of New Years Day. The professional production is found here in spades as this proudly displays an entire band showcasing themselves in their element.
The track begins with warbling tremolo picking saturated in a rich tone, a feeling of uncertainty as we spin a whirlpool of a menace and foreboding venom, with the rattling rolling toms of the band's drummer Alfredo Olvera act as a warning. When the track engages, it's like rattlesnake latching on and sinking its fangs into your veins. Guitarists Jordan Havens and Kevin Galicia craft a rich tapestry of interesting sharp guitar riffs that snarl or bite through the mix like a set of razor wire teeth. There's a nice sheen and polish found throughout, as if everything is a well oiled machine working through punchy drum led transitions. Kevin pulls double duty on the record playing bass that works in complementing manner to enrich the guitar's crunch.
One thing listeners will notice is the welcome addition of robust harsh vocals that boom and bellow like a giant beasts blood curdling scream. The "close the door, shut me out" screams, while sprinkled throughout in their own confined sections, works well and is effective to the spiralling madness of the song. I quite enjoy the use of the gang vocals dynamic between Jordan and Kevin, as it sort of gives the song that I Am Ghost/Aiden, mid '00s vibe. The call and response screams and cleans are executed well; Jordan's scream has that right amount of guttural that really pulls the heavy sections together. Whisper vocals in the middle bridge section compliment the powerful closing as Sasha Gordy's clean vocals are swallowed whole by roaring screams, but she still burns brightly through like a warm glowing whisper.
The vocalist is as well trained an artist as the instrumentalist that surrounds her. Sasha articulates with a piercing set of diamond cutting vocal cords that put on a pleading spectacle. The vocalists sweet, near bubblegum-like vocals ride the mesmeric wailing rhythms of the instruments behind her from a hush to a siren-like wail. At times she feels more like a Broadway singer, singing a macabre musical. It's a refreshing take, given the genre that's plagued with many similar sounding vocalists. The lyrical line "begging for more, I want more, I want more" is an idea that'll be planted in the listeners head as the curiosity and want for more of this sound prevails.
“Closed Doors, Closed Windows” is set to debut on Halloween, this Saturday, October 31st and is the perfect addition to any holiday haunt. The band plans to release merch alongside the release, with future releases that share similar album art. The future of Osiria has the sky set as the limit, as the band looks to be just warming up. Make sure to check out the bands previous EP The Crisis for a taste of their sound, which can be found on all music streaming platforms. Do yourself a favor and brush up for this, you won't regret it.