Osgraef - Reveries of the Arcane Eye

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Osgraef is a black metal band who I know very little about. I don't know the names of the members, the time of their formation or where they are from. 

I do know that “Reveries of the Arcane Eye,” is their debut album—and it is quite the statement. The mysterious nature of the band goes hand in hand with the nature of this album.

I love the atmopshere of this album, including the production and overall vibe. This album truly sounds sinister, arcane and ancient.  

It isn't flashy nor does it step outside any boxes but there is a certain charm to that because their avoidance of any potential pretentious allows the album to breathe deep it's deadly nature. 

The vocals are amazing—some of the best blackened vocals I've heard in awhile—he truly sounds bestial and on another plain of existence. 

Musically, it's loud, powerful and mid to fast paced for the most part. The riffs based structures are heavy on providing steady but devastating rhythms. There are 6 songs among a runtime of just over 41 minutes…that's the sweet spot for this style and ensures an excellent flow. It's an engaging listen regardless but the runtime will definitely demand repeweted listens–and you'll enjoy every one. 

The album opens with “Sekhem Apep - Vampyre's Enscription” and it's a banger. The drums, which are rich, full and pwerful, echo across the landscape as the blackened gasps spit out venom. The guitars crash around, using everything from traditional riffs to groove to get their point across.

“Magick Wound (Slithering Omnipotence of Thoth)” begins with powerful drum strikes That Role out the red carpet for the vocals to gallop their way Through. The right amount of echo is used on the vicious snarls, just enough to offer a haunting layer of profanity. The guitars are as unrelenting as anything I've heard this year, constantly marching their way foward To conquer the next passage.

“Mystik Lore - Ancient Summoner of Osgraef,” pulls back on the tempo but I like it….very creepy, like an ever approaching darkness. 

The guitars/bass are super dense, a thick miasma that whiplash it's way around. This song Is so dark and even sweeting that it feels palatable and was exhausting. 

Osgraef's “Reveries of the Arcane Eye,” is a fantastic album not only for a debut but In general. I can't think of a reason why any black metal wouldn't put This up high on their sacrificial alter. 

Rating: Excellent


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