Swedish, Trondheim-based drummer Tomas Järmyr is known for being the powerhouse, rhythmic engine of such alternative bands as the Morospsycho or the Italian Zu, but also as a highly versatile improviser for the drone-based YODOK, The Void of Expansion and Sunswitch. Entrails expands Järmyr’s musical universe even further.
Entrails is Järmyr’s debut solo album, on which he plays only cymbals, a practice he has been developing for more than a decade. It was recorded live at Cinemateket Trondheim in September 2020. Järmyr mixed and co-designed the cover artwork. Belgian guitarist Dirk Serries, a comrade from YODOK III and The Void of Expansion, mastered the album.
The 38-minute title piece extends the spirit of the ritualist, mysterious drones of YODOK. Järmyr explores the deep frequencies of a close set of metallic cymbals with drumsticks and mallets, often attaching one cymbal to another to intensify the resonant effects. He patiently and methodically, with commanding focus and control, creates a deep layer of gong-like overtones by caressing the cymbals with the mallets. These overtones form vulnerable yet meditative waves of resonating sounds, with a deep emotional effect, and Järmyr cleverly leads this meditative drone to its cathartic climax.
Entrails offers a deeply immersive listening experience, rich with a rare beauty.
Eyal Hareuveni
Tomas Järmyr (cymbals)
