Modern extreme metal quartet Obscura begins a new explosive chapter with the release of the sixth full-length “A Valediction” which is bound to impress the audience with an amazing virtuosic style.
“Forsaken” spreads immense melancholia with gentle arpeggios and subtle atmospheric layers that introduce an incendiary rhythmic ensemble relying on soaring riffs but the wild lead guitar work often steals the spotlight.
The title track offers steady aggressive rhythmic blasts with the perfect dosage of crunchy riffage and ruthless growls ultimately leading to an insane shredding that instantly grabs your attention.
“When Stars Collide” begins with fiery guitar driven grooves once again embellished by the neoclassical flair of the flawless shredding in contrast with the harmonious clean vocal delivery of the catchy chorus.
On “Devoured Usurper” an ominous essence generates a monolithic rhythm amplified by the cavernous growls and the darkened guitar tonalities that will evolve into charismatic technical solos.
The remarkable combo of dense bass lines and savage guitar riffs throughout “The Neuromancer” creates elaborate rhythmic patterns yet the excellent soloing successfully adds exquisite melodic textures.
In the beginning “Heritage” evokes dismal feelings through the fragile arpeggios and these emotive themes continue to emerge through the opulent melodic guitar leads even if the rhythmic section still has a chance to acquire extra speed and energy.
While the brutal death metal roots are still palpable undoubtedly Obscura focus on a majestic technical approach and instrumental precision to constantly build complex dynamics throughout “A Valediction”.