obsYdian
Soulbound
From their EPK, “The songs on "obsYdian" serve the band like a multifaceted mirror, which, in the process of confrontation, shows us both the band's dark sides as well as the possibilities for healing and protection – in the spirit of the protective properties that are attributed to the dark properties that the dark stone obsidian is said to have. SOULBOUND see in the symbolism obsidian a perfect metaphor for their work as musicians: Dark, mysterious, reflective, protective, transformative, clear, and honest, deep and strong. "obsYdian" is not just an album for them; it is an expression of their development and their way of seeing.”
The album has eleven songs, and the title track is first. It’s a short introduction that leads to “Burn.” The music is great…aggressive and intense, but I am not a big fan of the cadence in the clean vocals. Indeed, the harsh vocals fit the music better. “Insane” is dirty, and ruthless, with vocals that have a snarl at times, and in other times, are fierce. The chorus is where they push some melody to go along with the weighted and aggressive sound. “Saint Sinner” has a healthy dose of keyboards, which are commonly used in the genre, and they provide an industrial edge to the music. “Lioness” pushes a lot of melody out of the gate, and the use of both methods in their music indicates that they are smart songwriters. This song could even be heard on the radio.
“Heartless” begins with tender, and sad clean vocals, and you can hear the emotion in his plea. It also has some harsh vocals that augment the torture that he feels, and they are struck high with screams. “Paralyzed” is another catchy song but it still retains that aggressive edge to it, and it’s obvious that the band has a penchant with writing hooks. The final song is a two-parter where the second movement is longer than the first. I believe what the band is trying to get across in this last song is resolve. “Rise up, I won’t surrender the dark that is creeping in my heart.” The second movement mirrors the first, with a layer of heavy emotion, and the band pushing you to your feet and urging you to fight back. Listen to the skillful lead guitars…they are amazing.
Overall, many of the song are short, but very intense, and the album has a whole is smooth, polished, and has very clear production value. Obsidian is noted for its exceptionally smooth characteristics, such that one could even use it as a mirror, and that is what album quips. It’s a catchy album that is also hardened enough for Metal fans to love.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"obsYdian" Track-listing:
1. obsYdian
2. Burn
3. Insane
4. Forever in the Dark
5. Saint Sinner
6. Lioness
7. Isolate
8. Heartless
9. Paralyzed
10. Remain I
11. Remain II
Soulbound Lineup:
Johnny – Vocals
Jonas – Bass
Pat – Synthesizers
Mario – Drums
Felix – Guitars
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