Review OBSCURA “A Sonication”

German metal powerhouse Obscura has a new album in the starting blocks. “A Sonication” will be the seventh full-length record of the Bavarian metal band and it’s another effort that shows musical finesse as well as an immense level of energy.

As the title suggests, “A Sonication” is a direct continuation of the band’s previous longplayer “A Valediction”. The new album is the second chapter of a trilogy. Obscura took their time and didn’t rush the album. The working process took a year, which allowed the band, by the way totally renewed, to explore ideas, unleash possibilities and follow some extra inspiration. The result are eight songs that combine brutal riff assaults with refined moments where the band doesn’t leave anything to chance.

There is “Beyond the Seventh Sun” with its delicate guitar lines while the rhythm section adds some weight. It is one of those moments where the band shows their musical skills and ability to write songs that go beyond just endless solo parts.

The opener, however, is a massive strike. “Silver Linings” is a smashing death metal song that sets the scene. With steamroller energy the song shakes you awake. Obscura is firing on all cylinders with frontman Steffen Kummerer barking some vocals followed by some filigree solo parts.

While the opener is like a punch in the face, the beginning of “Evenfall” is a bit different. The song has an intro-like opening that runs through the whole song. Obscura slow down the pace and it is this mid-tempo song that relies more on groove, which changes with “In Solitude” when the band shifts gears again.

“Stardust” is one of the longer tracks on the album. The song is another massive moment on the album where grimness and a darkened spirit come together. Next up is the brutal “The Sun Eater”. The massive attack shows a band that doesn’t compromise on the heaviness, but at the same time is always in control with some clever twists. The song is a great death metal tune that offers a lot to explore.

The title track marks the final chapter of the album and shows the wide range of the band’s influences with a more traditional riff and guitar line. The song is an soaring and anthemic masterpiece of the album, combining raw power and skilled songwriting.

Obscura’s latest album shows the possibilities of death metal. It is much more than just growth and some mammoth riffs. There is the ability to create songs that incorporate the aforementioned and combine it with a very impressive approach when it comes to songwriting. “A Sonication” is an excellent extreme metal album with an open attitude that resonates in each of these eight songs.