Kurokuma – Born Of Obsidian
Kurokuma – Born Of Obsidian
Self-Released
Release Date: 04/02/2022
Running Time: 38:21
Review by Gaz Bates
9/10
I have been a fan of Kurokuma for a few years now, so I was exceedingly excited to hear their debut album, I was not disappointed. ‘Born Of Obsidian’ is mesmerising in its rhythms – the way the songs weave into each other, but still stand alone from one another is a testament to the trio’s song writing. Exploring Mesoamerican civilisations and deities from Aztec and Olmec cultures, Kurokuma have made something special.
The opening track ‘Smoking Mirrors’ sets the tone for this journey of sonic Psychedelia And Sludge. As a Bass player myself I have to mention the Bass tone here, it’s honestly superb and the way the Drums and Bass sync together is flawless. ‘Sacrifice to Huitzilopochtli’ is the second song on this album, heavy and destructive, the guitar work here is fantastic, giving off hints of Sepultura but with that Kurokuma vibe we all know and love. The third song on ‘Born Of Obsidian’ is the lead single ‘Jaguar’. The Olmec Shamans were believed to have the ability to transform into jaguars and Kurokuma have written a soundtrack for this ceremony. The whole piece is honestly phenomenal, but I have to single out the vocals here, which are as savage as a jaguar’s snarl and growl, really quite breath-taking. ‘Ololiuqui’ is a song that lets all instruments shine – beautiful but haunting Guitar lines, driving Drums and a Bass tone to knock the wind out of you. Closing out this album is ‘Under The Fifth Sun’, again showcasing the rhythm section, the Bass and Drums click together as the Guitar creates a soundscape for your mind to wander in, a psychedelic soundtrack with tones so heavy they weigh you down as you watch the Universe pass you by.
“Born Of Obsidian” is a sonic journey and the trio should be proud of what they have accomplished, which is a brutally beautiful crafted debut album.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Smoking Mirror
02. Sacrifice to Huitzilopochtli
03. Jaguar
04. Ololiuqui
05. Under The Fifth Son
LINE-UP:
Jacob Mazlum – Guitar / Vocals
Joe Allen – Drums
George Ionita – Bass
LINKS:
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