Obscura has always stood at the crossroads of technical brilliance and progressive ambition, crafting a discography that’s as intricate as it is powerful. Their latest offering, A Sonication, continues this legacy, showcasing the band’s unparalleled technical skills while revisiting familiar territories that will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the album still manages to deliver a satisfying blend of technical death metal and melodic sophistication.
The opening track, “Silver Linings,” is a strong start, blending rapid-fire riffing with a melodic touch that harks back to the band’s Cosmogenesis era. Its frenetic pace and intricate layering instantly grab your attention, setting an energetic tone. Tracks like “In Solitude” and “The Prolonging” follow suit with similarly polished execution. While they don’t break new ground, they’re undeniably enjoyable—packed with the kind of fretboard wizardry and rhythmic precision that Obscura fans have come to expect.
One of the album’s standout moments is “The Sun Eater,” where the band channels a thrash-infused intensity that adds a welcome edge to the tracklist. James Stewart’s drumming is particularly impressive here, driving the track forward with unrelenting power. Meanwhile, the title track, “A Sonication,” wraps things up with a blend of atmospheric moments and dazzling guitar solos, serving as a reminder of Obscura’s knack for crafting epic, climactic closers.
However, not every experiment lands. The lead single, “Evenfall,” aimed to nod to the band’s influences, particularly Death, but instead feels a bit too polished and safe. While it’s accessible and melodic, it doesn’t capture the raw spirit that longtime listeners might have hoped for. Still, its strong production and catchy elements might appeal to newer fans discovering the band for the first time.
The musicianship across the album is, as always, top-notch. Newcomer Kevin Olasz brings his own flair to the guitar work, and Robin Zielhorst’s fretless basslines provide a smooth, dynamic counterpoint to the shredding chaos. Together with Stewart’s relentless drumming, the band’s chemistry shines, even if the songwriting occasionally leans too heavily on familiar structures.
While A Sonication doesn’t quite reach the groundbreaking heights of Obscura’s earlier works, it’s far from a misstep. The album delivers a solid dose of the technical death metal the band is known for, with enough memorable moments to keep fans engaged. It’s clear that Obscura still has the fire and the talent, and A Sonication feels like a stepping stone toward something even greater.
For fans of technical mastery and polished production, A Sonication offers plenty to admire. It’s a testament to Obscura’s dedication to their craft and a reminder that, even after all these years, they’re still one of the genre’s most reliable forces.
Tracklist:
- Silver Linings
- Evenfall
- In Solitude
- The Prolonging
- Beyond The Seventh Sun
- Stardust
- The Sun Eater
- A Sonication
Source: www.antiheromagazine.com
