ALBUM REVIEW: Obsecration – Onwards The Mystic Paths Of The Dead

Greek Death Metal titans OBSECRATION are back with their seventh full length album of mystical darkness. Out now via Witching Hour Productions.

Eerie ambience starts off our journey in a suitably creepy fashion, surely something treacherous lies in wait. Grisly riffs and hammered drums sink right into a bellowing, groovy cacophony of visceral Death Metal with gruesomely guttural vocals to match. With a raspy, old school production, there is nothing weak to be found on this record. Blistering solos break up the rupturing onslaught while keeping the maniacal old school spirit perfectly captured. With a storm of riffs, it is pleasing to hear the raunchy bass lines are extremely clear for a monstrously well-rounded assault, backed up by a storm of blasting drums. A truly morbid impact is made.

Surging on, we continue in the gritty and dismally dark vein that Obsecration create with merciless precision. Much like fellow Greeks Dead Congregation, there is a dark flame at the heart of this monolith of ritualistic Death Metal, drawing in doomy and spectral spirits to the rivetingly brutal escapade. Though the mystical side of Extreme Metal is usually found more in the Black Metal side of things, this is a perfect example of it creeping into Death Metal’s territory, choosing more eerie and subtle horrors over the more movie-inspired gore-fest. This vein of enlightening Lovecraftian madness is certainly apt for such a darkened and punishing sound.

With clear blackened touches on the ruthless execution of this insanely intense record, there is a truly genuine sense of foreboding and excitement to be found. Shadowy creatures lurk in the maddening blend of relentlessly energetic drums, expansive and progressive riffs and vomitous vocals. Though shrouded in mystery, there is also a straightforward aggression on the album that makes it easy to get into the groove of too. This balance works hugely in Obsecration’s favour at making a non-derivative yet intoxicatingly memorable addition to their discography of the macabre. While sometimes reminiscent of early Morbid Angel, there is also a unique blend of their own ideas that helps the music stand out from the huge slew of old school Death Metal.

While Greek Death Metal may not have quite the same following as America, Sweden, Finland or Canada, it is no secret among true underground dwellers that Greece is home to some of the best Death Metal on the planet. Obsecration have their own approach that is showcased gorgeously on this filthy necrotising tome of ferocity. A must listen for all Death Metal lovers without question. -8.5/10