OBSCURA — A Valediction (review)

OBSCURA — A Valediction album cover Album · 2021 · Technical Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"A Valediction" is the 6th full-length studio album by German death metal act Obscura. The album was released through Nuclear Blast in November 2021. It´s the successor to "Diluvium" from 2018. It would seem that Obscura is a revolving doors kind of band, as once again there´s been an almost complete change of the lineup between albums. In fact the only remaining member since the predecessor is lead vocalist/guitarist Steffen Kummerer. On the bright side "A Valediction" sees a return of two former members of Obscura in bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling (previously part of the band from 2007-2011) and guitarist Christian Münzner (previously part of the band from 2008-2014). New drummer David Diepold completes the quartet lineup.

The material on "A Valediction" is unmistakably the sound of Obscura. Melodic and powerful technical/progressive death metal, performed by an incredibly skilled ensemble. Kummerer has chosen to perform most vocals on the album with his snarling aggressive vocal style, and only a very few times (like on "Devoured Usurper") does he perform his deeper growling vocals. There is one clean vocal part on the album on "When Stars Collide", which is performed by Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra). The effect laden robotic voices from the previous releases are almost gone from the music.

While the material on "A Valediction" are certainly still technically complex death metal, it´s actually the most melodic and accessible material released by Obscura up until then. It´s to a point where I´m slightly reminded of power metal (listen to parts of "Forsaken" and "Orbital Elements II" for proof of this), but it´s only touches and moments, and this is of course still primarely a death metal release. Thesseling´s fretless bass work provides the tracks with a fusion element, but I´d still say that element has also been pushed back to give space to more straight forward and accessible parts and ideas.

"A Valediction" is well produced, featuring a powerful, detailed, and professional sound production, which suits the material well. Upon conclusion it´s another high quality release by Obscura and although more accessible winds are blowing, "A Valediction" is still a highly technical and often progressive death metal release, loaded with intriguing songwriting ideas, high level performances, and as mentioned a well sounding production job. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.
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