Obscura – A Sonification
Obscura – A Sonification
Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 07/02/2025
Review by David Barreto
8.2?/10
Yes, that question mark is on purpose. Is this score to be given to Steffen Kummerer’s Obscura or to Alex Weber and Max Phelps’ Exist?
Obscura, or Steffen, haven’t said officially a word about the allegations and the only video, from Alex’s Instagram account, is not clear enough to ground such an allegation (in my opinion), however considering also what former Obscura and legendary guitarist Christian Münzner says… But I am here to talk about this piece of music and not to spill the tea, even though I already did, right?
“A Sonication” is the sixth full length release from the German band and despite their growing fanbase and recognition, the opinion of the all time band fans is, generally, each release is poorer than the previous one. Actually, “Cosmogenesis” is still considered their best work, for myself also, and that is their first full length. “Akróasis” is close, funny though it is their last work with Christian Münzner on guitar.
“A Sonication” has eight tracks and most of them would be considered Progressive Death Metal more than Technical Death Metal, which is not a bad thing in my book, but most fans of the band expect a bit more brutality I believe.
‘Silver Linings’, the opening track, is very straight forward Obscura. The fretless bass, the blast beats, the angry vocals and the wide and open chords in the background while the guitars in front are fiercely picking that sixth string. Melodic and technically superhuman guitar and bass solos.
‘Evenfall’, controversial and beautiful at equal, is a great song. That opening line with the bass and how the rest of the band kick in after those harmonics is just beautiful. It feels a bit slower, partially due to the vocals being slower, I mean, less syllables per beat, so it feels a bit fuller and slower but the drums are still blasting full on. The guitar solos are also more melodic, with more long notes and the chorus, with those beautiful choirs in the background, sound a bit more Melodic Death Metal than what Obscura has us used to.
Third track, ‘In Solitude’, is shorter and more intense. Under four minutes of music but all classic elements from Obscura are here… low growling vocals combined with his typical higher pitched singing. The drumming here is absolute bonkers, full of little fills and beautiful arrangements and then an over one minute length guitar solo that not only fits perfectly on the track but also gives us the melody we were asking for since this track is full blast since starting.
‘The Prolonging’ is barely over two minutes long and I can only think of this track as a prolonging of the previous track or just a track that they maybe didn’t know how to exploit, because it offers nothing new in the record nor anything bad about it but it simply feels unnecessary.
‘Beyond the Seventh Sun’, on the contrary, starts with a beautiful and enchanting acoustic guitar, a simple yet beautiful bass solo and then kicks off with a beautiful choice of arpeggios to move into what is a typical Obscura guitar riff but what’s different here is that it is an instrumental track. Not new in the sense of the band’s history, but new because it is the first instrumental track of this record.
‘Stardust’, the sixth track, is very angry. Vocals are really harsh, powerful and big (thanks to a massive reverb) giving the track a very headbang until death kinda vibe. Very good work on the vocals doubling. There is what could be considered an interlude in the track. This calmer part, more instrumental and with a bit more relaxed drumming and more melodic and slower guitar solos is lovely. And I know, relax and Technical Death Metal drumming in the same sentence is just absurd, but I think you understand my point.
‘The Sun Eater’ gives us more lower growling singing, which is a bit lacking in this record and I would like to listen more of this guttural singing, but also gives us more lack of inspiration vibes. Very straightforward, there is no evolution of melodies or motifs along the four minutes long track. A bit like an AC/DC track. Predictable.
Last track, ‘A Sonication’, gives name to the album and it is also the longer track of the record lasting over seven and a half minutes and as funny as it can be, is probably the less interesting track from the record. Good sound, long instrumental parts, great solos, nice drumming, good bass lines… but it doesn’t engage me as a listener. I can focus on the individual instruments and enjoy how they master their instrument but, as a whole, it is a bit bland. Also, if there is a shitty way to finish a record is with a fade out. A fade out in the last song only leaves you feeling sick and unconcluded.
Oh, great, now I feel empty but disgusted… I guess I will have to listen to ‘Stardust’ or ‘Evenfall’ again to finish in order to feel satisfied.
Still a very solid work (or kinda) that I have enjoyed three times while writing this review. I am not the biggest Obscura fan, actually, I am not even a fan of Technical Death Metal or any Death Metal related genre, but Obscura as Necrophagist or a few others have a place in my heart and while I am a bit uneasy about this record, I can still enjoy what I have just finished listening.
Hasta la vista, Ever-Metallers!
‘Evenfall’ Official Music Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Silver Linings
02. Evenfall
03. In Solitude
04. The Prolonging
05. Beyond The Seventh Sun
06. Stardust
07. The Sun Eater
08. A Sonication
LINKS:
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