Obsidian Scapes - Death Chants Echo From Aphotic Void

Obsidian Scapes is a doom metal band from Germany who formed in 2017.  Their latest release, "Death Chants Echo From Aphotic Void," is their full-length debut album; they have also released an EP. 

THIS IS DOOM. The bass slaps like Molten lava striking the ground.  The guitars have a tone that sits somewhere between struggling to breathe and the final height of awareness that signifies one's resignation to a resting death.

The drums are the steady beat of an incantation that preludes an apocalypse. The vocals? Priest from a darkened void that cast bleakness in waves.

“Death Chants Echo From Aphotic Void,” embraces its title and then some. It balances an extreme form of doom with a morose, twisted version of traditional doom. It exists within this world, yet firmly a part of both without letting either side take over. 

The production is perfect: loud and hellish but rough like sandpaper. The depravity sinks like a corpse but rises full of rot. It's not a happy listen but neither is one borne out of pity. This an emotional, real experience that brings doom metal out In a powerfully Perverse way.

“The Pettiness of Life,” is a great opening song because it echoes the words I just wrote. All the frustrations and endless mental atrocities that force themselves through us as so-called “life” build up in a cacophony of brutal bass, massive drums, and riffs as deep as the ocean. It's potent and doesn't really seem to be happening as the song breaks at the 2:39 mark. It's sick as hell but it's true and that's why it's so fucked up. Despite the song’s harrowing nature, subtle uses of atmospheric textures in the later half bring the song to the next level. 

The band has no issues with bringing the grooves out, such as on “My Utter Contempt For The Sun,” which also must be commended for fitting such a long song title into the lyrics and making it catchy.  But these deep riffs that move with the weight of a glacier are also catchy, although that probably isn’t a concern for the band but it makes for a fun listen that offsets the song’s stark mood.  I am impressed by how well the bass stands out–it could have easily been buried under all this pressure but…it IS the pressure. Anyway, the sun IS lame so I'm glade somoene is finally putting it in its place.

The shortest song on the album is “Endless Sea of Dead Mirrors,” at just under 8 minutes in length.  It’s pretty damn ominous, especially in the beginning.  The flurry of drumming ensures the energy remains high even when the light completely disappears.  That’s also one of the best things about the album and something that will help it appeal to people who don’t even like doom:  there is always something going on and the band is moving towards a goal.  Case in point:  the lighting fast section that comes out of left field in between all the sludgy doomy darkness.  It’s a welcomed approach and helps add some flavor without taking away from their core sound.

“Despite Everything,” is a nihilistic anthem that just might be the best song on the album.  The subtle keys bring everything to attention, as the band melts doom into my ears.  The riffs and vocals hit hard and, again, much more catchy than music of this nature usually is.  The band is very good at creating rhythm and cadence that sticks immediately and long after it’s gone.  After the five minute mark, the song takes a trip down the rabbit hole and becomes a little psychotic.  I’m a firm believer that doom should be unnerving to a degree and this song absolutely nails this. 

The final song, “Trapped In Equilibrium,” is my second favorite and a towering finishing to the album.  From the clean tones, to the final passage of speed at the end, this song brings the pain and then some.  The first few minutes are extreme and atmospheric all at ones, creating an imaginative hellscape. As the song marches forth, it gets even darker, even heavier, and the speed kicks up a notch.  Fantastic ending song!

Obsidian Scapes’ “Death Chants Echo From Aphotic Void,” is a disturbing and scary journey into the void of darkness.  It’s blacker than black and deeper than an ocean of blood.  It’s certainly more than enough to entrance even the most cynical of doom fans but it’s composed well enough to impress just about anyone else.  Highly recommended. 

Rating: Excellent