OBTAINED ENSLAVEMENT - Soulblight (12" LP on Clear/White/Silver Splatter Vinyl)
Norway | Death (early), Symphonic Black (Late)
Detailed Description
Soulblight" is a worthy contender for one of the best Black Metal albums of the 90's! 1997's "Witchcraft" wass a challenging album to follow up with its cult status as one of the greatest Black Metal releases owing to its complex compositions and intricate orchestration. Yet Obtained Enslavement did exactly that, as "Soulblight" is a very different release but it maintained the quality and musicianship the band made themselves known for with "Witchcraft". This release discards the openness and mystique of the orchestral arrangements in place of a more guitar and drum-oriented sound, but this works for the much darker and aggressive tone of "Soulblight". Speaking of instrumental work, the iconic and untouchable classically influenced composition (it would be insulting to call it songwriting) of guitarists 'Heks' and 'Doden', with its weaving and developed melodies to the complex chord sequences and intricate structures, is still an aspect that is so unique to this band; the composers truly have a great understanding of music in its high-art form. Pest's vocals are consistent and hair-raising, nothing about it sounds human and this works in favour of this otherworldly suite. Pytten has once again cemented himself as one of the greats in the Black Metal world and even just knowing this album was recorded in the infamous Grieghallen, adds to its grandeur and appeal. To conclude, "Soulblight" is a worthy contender for one of the best Black Metal albums of the 90's.
