The Pitch: The debut album from Irish progressive death metal act Mirrors of Obsidian; produced by the band's own label, Neohuman Records, and mastered by Mick Kenney of Anaal Nathrakh. FFO Aspherium, Gojira, Allegaeon
What I Like: There's plenty to like here, and I am impressed with how much work these guys have put into the album between writing, putting together a music video, and even developing their own label. The guitarwork is pretty solid with a number of thrashy hooks, but also some very Gojira-ish transitions; most notably the second half of "Close to Interception." The vocals similarly develop a certain Duplantieresque delivery, wavering between death growls and more of a half-scream. There are even a few isolated moments where the music takes a turn into Fear Factory-sounding territory ("Blood and Chrome").
What I Don't Like: Compositions can feel a bit messy at times. There are a number of abrupt leaps between pace changes and riffs that could be a lot smoother. I also think that the vocals could use a little more polish. The sustained screams are overused and even get a little "yawl"-y.
The Verdict: As far as debuts go, this is an album with plenty of promise. Mirrors of Obsidian show strengths both in terms of performance and selling themselves, and with a little more maturation in the songwriting and composing department I see nothing but good things in the future.
Flight's Fav's: Close to Interception, Blood and Chrome, Lightwaves