This stunning 10-inch vinyl release is an embodiment of darkness in every detail. Crafted with heavyweight jackets, the presentation exudes quality and a brooding atmosphere. Every element embraces the void: black inner sleeves, stark black album art, a shadowy interior within the record jacket, and a striking black insert. From its aesthetic to its tactile experience, this release is a monochromatic masterpiece, perfectly complementing the music's ominous tone.
California’s enigmatic Obolus returns listeners to the depths of despair with Lament, their haunting debut EP released through Flenser Records. In true underground black metal fashion, the identities behind the project remain cloaked in mystery, but their music speaks with unflinching clarity. Lament captures an ethereal sadness, blending depressive black metal and atmospheric nuances to create a unique auditory descent into the void.
From the opening moments of “Hatred,” Obolus demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere. Guitars swell into a melancholic wall of sound, while tortured vocals echo as though trapped in the shadowy recesses of the soul. The EP’s production is raw yet massive, striking a balance that lets each element breathe without losing the haunting aura of isolation. The delicate interplay of shoegaze-inspired textures and traditional black metal ferocity evokes comparisons to Leviathan or Xasthur, yet Lament carves its own spectral path.
Highlights abound across the EP's concise 20-minute runtime. Tracks like “Grievance” layer cold riffs over the faint patter of rain, creating an almost cinematic sense of despair. The use of keyboards, subtle yet crucial, enhances the mournful mood without ever feeling overbearing. This balance showcases Obolus’ skill in weaving introspective melodies into the genre's typically abrasive framework.
What makes Lament truly stand out is its ability to evoke emotion so vividly. It’s not just music; it’s a vessel for loss, longing, and existential reflection. The EP feels like a glimpse into a dreamscape where sorrow takes on a life of its own, wandering between realms of reality and the subconscious.
Obolus has delivered an unforgettable debut with Lament, one that lingers long after the final notes fade. It’s a haunting reminder of black metal’s capacity for raw emotion and transcendent beauty. Whether a full-length release will follow remains to be seen, but Lament ensures Obolus has already left an indelible mark.
