Formed in 2009, Obsidian Tongue has carved a niche for themselves within the realms of atmospheric and progressive black metal. The band, originally a solo project by Brendan Hayter, quickly evolved into a formidable duo with the addition of drummer Raymond Capizzo. Known for their evocative soundscapes and lyrical depth, Obsidian Tongue has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre with each release. Their debut album, Volume I: Subradiant Architecture, set the stage for their distinct style, blending ferocious black metal with ambient elements. Now, the band’s new album Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn is due to be released on May 30th via Profound Lore Records.
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Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn showcases Obsidian Tongue’s a blend of atmospheric black metal, characterised by haunting melodies, intricate guitar work, dynamic time signatures, ambient elements and powerful drumming. The album is a testament to the band’s ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport the listener to otherworldly realms. Hayter’s vocal delivery ranges from anguished shrieks to mournful chants, adding layers of emotion to the already rich compositions. The production is pristine, allowing each instrument to shine without losing the raw intensity essential to black metal.
The album opens with “Orphaned Spiritual Warrior,” a powerful track that sets the tone for the journey ahead. A cacophony of despairing black metal tones and jarring instrumentation, creating a frosty and unnerving atmosphere. Venomous screams make way for ethereal and almost choir-like clean vocals which rise and soar on a backdrop of tremolo picking, haunting synths and relentless blast-beats. The interplay between the tremolo picking and Capizzo’s relentless drumming creates a sense of urgency and grandeur. “Snakeskin Tunnel Colony” is also cold and bleak but in a much darker sense. Sorrowful melodies accompanied by harsh blasts of intensity allows the listener to fully absorb the emotional weight of the song. Hayter’s vocals are particularly poignant here, capitalising on rasping power and determination whilst also relying on distorted cleans. The interplay between furious black metal riffage and ambient, soft guitar solos alongside the progressive time signatures, well-placed synth and catchy hooks makes for an incredibly captivating track.
The thing about this album is, it’s not a straight forward black metal album. Yes, ultimately it is a black metal album with all the tremolos, venom and thunderous blast beats but the artistic side of the band makes itself know throughout. Take the title track for example; this would nestle itself quite nicely amongst Enslaved’s discography. Ambient guitars and gentle drums create an otherworldly mood until it rips into intensely paced fury once more. This calm, ambience is brought forward once again with “To Forgive Oneself” which, aside from the title of the track, has an air of vulnerability despite the chaos which ensues when it kicks off. A force of black metal ferocity and atmospheric depth, the song transitions seamlessly between blistering blast beats and tranquil interludes, reflecting the duality of light and darkness.
A brief reprieve is offered with the instrumental “…And Still They Dream…” which is all in the name; a dreamy acoustic guitar on the backdrop of howling winds, gradually building with grandeur and triumph whilst maintaining a melancholic edge. The ambient soundscapes and subtle guitar work create a sense of vast emptiness, inviting the listener to contemplate the void that lies beyond the known universe. The album closes with “Theater of Smoke & Wind,” a hauntingly beautiful track that leaves a lasting impression. The slow, dirge-like pace and mournful melodies create a sense of finality, giving a brief nod to the band’s earlier works, particularly Subradiant Architecture. Featuring a mesmerising blend of melodic and dissonant elements. The song’s structure is complex, with multiple movements that ebb and flow whilst the intricate guitar riffs and dynamic shifts in tempo keep the listener engaged. Particularly the closing chapters of the track which returns to an aggressive pace whilst weaving a sense of triumph within.
Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn is meticulously structured to take the listener on an emotional and introspective journey. The alternating tempos and varying intensity levels create a sense of progression, leading the listener through the highs and lows of the human experience. Whilst the lengthy tracks and dissonant nature of the album may not be for everyone, Obsidian Tongue, showcase their growth as musicians and their ability to craft an album that is both sonically captivating and emotionally profound.
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Eclipsing Worlds of Scorn is out on May 30th via Profound Lore Records
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