Obsidian Hooves, a formidable two-man death metal force from Los Angeles, California, delivers an unrelenting assault on the senses with their second full-length album, Illuminating Void. Featuring seven tracks and clocking in just shy of 47 minutes, this release is a crushing display of filthy, oppressive death metal. It’s an album steeped in psychotic aggression and sinister energy, offering an experience that is as unsettling as it is utterly captivating.
The guitar work throughout Illuminating Void is masterfully crafted, weaving ferocious riffs with a raw intensity that feels both punishing and hypnotic. Tracks like “Aesthetic Temple” epitomize this approach, with sprawling, suffocating riff structures that drag the listener deeper into the album’s abyssal soundscape. There’s no respite to be found—each song seems to tear open the gates to a malevolent underworld, enveloping the listener in an unholy maelstrom of sound. This record is a treasure trove for aficionados of dark, unfiltered death metal, brimming with the primal elements that define the genre.
The opening track sets the tone with a brief, dissonant intro that serves as a harbinger of the carnage to follow. The deep, guttural growls of Cave Ritual, who also delivers a relentless drum performance, are the driving force behind the album’s visceral impact. His precision and fury behind the kit create an unrelenting rhythm section, propelling the listener into the chaotic nightmare that is “Inception’s Release.” Here, the emphasis shifts to angular, droning riffs that forsake conventional melody in favor of an icy, tormenting atmosphere.
Despite its raw and primal energy, the musicianship on Illuminating Void is sophisticated and tight, showcasing a technical edge that elevates the album beyond typical old-school devastation. Obsidian Hooves achieves a remarkable balance between structure and chaos, with moments where intricate compositions emerge from walls of feedback and thunderous percussion. The interplay between the two members is seamless, their synergy evident in every punishing passage.
What truly sets this album apart is its ability to maintain intensity and originality across every track. While the songs flow seamlessly into one another, each retains its distinct identity, delivering an unfiltered, visceral punch. The production is another standout element—it’s clean and dynamic, ensuring every instrument cuts through the mix without losing the raw, untamed spirit that defines the music.
With Illuminating Void, Obsidian Hooves has crafted a harrowing yet exhilarating journey into the depths of death metal. This is a must-have album for fans of the genre, a testament to the band’s ability to fuse brutality with atmosphere in a way that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a masterful work that demands attention and cements Obsidian Hooves as a force to be reckoned with in the underground metal scene.
