OBEISANCE - Lucifer Master [EMF Records] (CD)

Upon the initial encounter with Obeisance's "Lucifer Master," distinct echoes of Samhain's "November Coming Fire" and Venom's "Possessed" reverberate in the mind. However, this association transcends genres, capturing a shared essence rather than a specific style. The album's raw production and unapologetic blasphemy emanate fiercely, permeating the speakers with a relentless onslaught. The abrasive guitar tones, high-octane yet unadorned drumming, and vocals echoing from a cavernous abyss evoke the primal energy reminiscent of thrashing legends like Venom and Bathory.

Obeisance proudly embraces the label of "total blackened thrash," delivering music that is ugly, predatory, and unapologetically primitive. Martin Von Fa Q's vocals are a vicious assault, eschewing any semblance of melodic grace for a visceral and unrelenting onslaught. The guitars, submerged in a muddy mix, tear through flesh with a ferocity that exposes bone. While the solos offer moments of respite, they never veer into the realm of flashy virtuosity. The band's bio humorously admits, "Obeisance can't write a technical riff to save our life," a statement that encapsulates their unapologetic approach.

The tracks, such as "Scorched Earth: Hell Bent on Slaughter" and "The Hound," are visceral experiences, knocking listeners into the metaphorical dirt and sledgehammering them into submission. The opening track, "Lord of the Killing Fields," sets the tone with its genocidal thrash groove. "I'm the Tyranny of Evil Men" stands out with brief yet ripping solos and relentless speed riffs. The drum work, though maintaining a consistent intensity, reveals subtle variations that add to the overall dynamism.

Obeisance maintains an unwavering onslaught throughout all ten tracks, culminating in a chilling hidden track that further underscores the album's unrelenting attitude. "Lucifer Master" is more than music; it's a resounding declaration, a vehement rejection of organized religion, nu-metal, the Gothenburg sound, and any polished or contemporary trends. It revels in its grotesque, unrefined nature, leaving an indelible mark that demands a metaphorical cleansing, akin to taking a shower after exposure to such unbridled ferocity.