Review | O.R.K. – Firehose Of Falsehoods

Kscope

O.R.k. is the notoriously “famous” prog/rock/art super group, consisting of high-class musicians Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree, bass guitar), Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, drums), Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari (Obake, vocals) and Carmelo Pipitone (Marta sui Tubi, guitars). ‘Firehose Of Falsehoods’ is O.R.k.’s fifth studio album and it marks another musical chapter in the band’s evolution of progressive and alternative rock.

AN IMPRESSIVE ALBUM

‘Firehose Of Falsehoods’ kicks off with ,,Blast Of Silence” and this one is 100% powerhouse metal, so, a more than excellent way to start this album. Follow up ,,Hello Mother” rocks really hard and it reminds me of Velvet Revolver’s well-known track ,,Slither.” Next up is ,,The Other Side,” a standout track with very atmospheric verses and fuzzy riffs galore, while ,,16000 Days” highlights the proggier side of the band with symphonic metal characteristics as well as tranquil semi-acoustic passages.

,,PUTFP”, the single of the album, shows again the heavier side of O.R.k., but it can also be labelled as an arena anthem with LEF’s high octane vocals setting the tone. ,,Seven Arms” is the shortest track of the album and it features another dark riff by Pipitone, while the vibe of the song, kind of reminds me of Nine Inch Nails and Puscifer.

John Wesley (of Porcupine Tree’s live line-up) plays the guitar solo in ,,Mask Behind The Face” and LEF’s falsetto screams here are rather frightening. O.R.k. finishes this impressive album with the song ,,Dive In”. A real epic, clocking in at nearly fourteen minutes and this is the best track this band has ever composed and recorded. ,,Dive In” is a wonderful, superb composition; a prog metal musical work out, and there are passages reminiscent of Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson and Oceansize; so enough to enjoy.

O.R.K. – THE CONCLUSION

The more you listen to ,,Dive In”, the more you are going to like it and you will agree with me that ‘Firehose Of Falsehoods’ is a remarkable album, packed with musical power, addictive melodies and more than excellent and skilled musicianship, showcasing the more experimental and progressive side of the prog metal genre for sure. Of course, my obvious advice is play it LOUD.

Listening tip: ,,PUTFP”.

Release date: 21 March 2025