In the heart of every music fan there is a shrine of sound, a cache of albums that comprise our sonic comfort zone. Most likely, these albums cannot be touched; any attempt by modern musicians to reproduce their ethos will produce derivative, hollow simulacra. Obsequiae have achieved the miraculous; they've recorded an album that strides directly into my own musical sanctum. This is not achieved by apery or homage, but by honest, genuine, unique and creative musicianship. Suspended In The Brume Of Eos sits in the inimitable company of Opeth's Orchid and Morningrise, In Flames' Lunar Strain and Jester Race, as well as Dissection's The Somberlain.

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Suspended In The Brume Of Eos places trust in the fundamental metal truth of dueling, intertwined guitars. I'm not talking about the evolved, maniacal approach of a Barr/Marston, but the primal synergy of a Murray/Smith. Throw rasping, demonic vocals on top of venomous aggression and we're talking about the basis of what is now derisively called melodic death metal. Obsequiae certainly employ its devices, but they compose music that pre-dates the term, conjuring a sound that transcends the vagaries of genre that has long-since self-destructed.

Obsequiae synthesize classical and medieval atmospheres into cold hard riffs. Suspended In The Brume Of Eos is a concise and compelling marathon of absurd, astronomically satisfying riffage. Lodged between its tracks lurk mandatory, clean classical guitar passages of stunning quality; I'd expect nothing less. Suspended In The Brume Of Eos trots in a vast array of velocities. The swifter tracks rock with neck-snapping grooves and serpentine, tremolo picked torrents, rolling on well oiled rhythmic rails. Slower passages let uncanny, haunting melodies sing with sepulchral resonance. The articulate, vibrant drumming accentuates the album's accomplished air; Obsequiae breeze along as if this were child's play. The album is skillfully produced, mastered on the quiet side to effect an expansive dynamic range.

Obsequiae get it, they own it, they kill it. Music of this sort treads near a precipice beyond which lurks a sea of cheese. Obsequiae boldly navigate this narrow path of awesomeness and never once approach the edge. If victorious, soaring, sonic warfare is your thing, Suspended In The Brume Of Eos will have you banging your head uncontrollably and throwing fists of fury towards the sky. If not, have a nice day.

9.3/10

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Suspended In The Brume Of Eos is out now via Bindrune Recordings. I purchased a copy of the album directly from the label; it can also be found on Amazon.

You can stream the entire album below, courtesy of Metal Army America:

OBSEQUIAE – Suspended in the Brume of Eos by MetalArmyUSA