The Pitch: "Germany’s progressive death metal masters Obscura complete their long-running, four-album conceptual circle with the release of Diluvium (defined as a great oceanic flood), their most evocative, diverse and vibrant release to date." FFO: Alkaloid, Necrophagist, Hannes Grossmann
What I Like: The bands above (along with many I haven't even listed) are an incestuous bunch. And given the sheer volume of releases that they collectively put out, it's all the more impressive that they never seem to run low on ideas. Sure, it's been 2 years since the last Obscura album, but since Akróasis, various members have been involved in multiple other noteworthy albums. By all accounts, the well should have run dry, and Diluvium could be a lifeless, generic excuse for a paycheck. Quite to the contrary, it will likely be counted among the best albums of the year. Nothing is phoned in; these 55 minutes are progressive bliss. Each of the 4 members pours their heart and soul into the performances, and the songwriting is such that they work as a seemless, powerful unit. The variation, shifting movements, and multi-textured arrangements are endlessly engaging and truly capture my imagination in a way that most single-band musicians only dream of. Obscura are professionals through and through, and fortunately the potential for ego has not clouded their ability to still connect with their fans.
Critiques: There are some slower parts and transitions that don't work quite as well as others, but these are pretty few and far between. It also feels just a tad overlong.
The Verdict: Incredible album. Some of the best progressive death metal you are likely to find this year. I'd put this side by side wtih Exocrine and Inferi for the top 3 slots so far. Obscura continue to prove that the name-dropping is warranted, and so many albums in they are still going strong. Honestly, it may be their best yet.
Flight's Fav's: Clandestine Stars, Emergent Evolution, Ekpyrosis
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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