Obsessed By Shadows

Dark Psychosis

So we have DARK PSYCHOSIS who are a thrash/black metal band but they also take […]
September 21, 2021
Dark Psychosis - Obsessed By Shadows album cover

So we have DARK PSYCHOSIS who are a thrash/black metal band but they also take psychedelic rock into the mix as well and the band actually is only one person by the name XAPHAN. He is literally the man behind all their songwriting, music-making and he owns the record label Blackened Moon which the album was originally released through. The album was originally released in 2004, their debut album was followed by LORD TO NONE(2012) and THE EDGE OF NOWHERE(2020).

XAPHAN was also originally a member of bands like MASOCHIST, SUMMON, WASTELANDER and CAVALCADE more recently. This one man band is from Michigan(USA)and now they have reissued their debut album in limited edition CD/Digipak format. The album begins with a symphonic intro titled "The Shadow", from then on we are practically haunted by what follows on.

"The Immersing Soul" pulsates with this sort of lo-fi black metal collage of all instruments. Marked by guitar pitch shifts and playing staccato notes as well as wild guitar solos or vibrato. The musicality fires rapidly mostly then goes into a more psychedelic rock feel. "Darkness Has Returned" stands out more for electrifying guitar work, barbaric vocals and power metal drums.

The next track "Rebel Of Fallen Angels" takes the power metal/rock elements from before and evolves into a tornado of sizzling guitar hooks. It's a track you can certainly stick your fists in the air and worship the band's sound which is quite compelling. "Profane Hallucinations" thumping with psychedelic drums before the track steadies itself but then pulsates once more. Also includes a haunting soundscape, dark guitar tone and mumbling vocals, ending on a high.

Moving onto the sixth track which is also called "Obsessed By Shadows" starts with a triad of synth, guitar + drums in the midst of monotonous black metal. The synth also takes the narrative but then allows the other instruments back in. The guitar even goes on a wild streak replicating a synth in a way. "Lostlessness" has a more soundscape, free flowing and electronic feel to the track with; percussive hits, synth sounds and sound effects of guitar & vocals combined.

"Astronomy Domine" has a constant motion of guitar, a more rhythmic feel, tempo and choked style vocals. A more experimental approach is one longer section and this does have the psychedelic rock sound. Onto the ninth track which is also long in duration timing over 8 minutes, titled "Osculum Infame". There is a revolving sound effect with slower metallic guitar playing but not rhythm of drums.

The ninth track is actually where originally the album release finishes, but this final track is more like the seventh track, a sound palette of miscellaneous sounds. The sounds are projected in all sorts of directions and there is a hint of symphonic style to the track. However as this album is being reissued, it also features a total of five additional tracks which are just early demos. It's a good album, certainly impressive taking into consideration this is a one man band. The album mixing black metal, psychedelic rock and touches of experimental rock is just very interesting to hear but I felt more can be achieved perhaps, overall good work.

6 / 10

Had Potential

Songwriting

6

Musicianship

6

Memorability

6

Production

7
"Obsessed By Shadows" Track-listing:

1. The Shadow
2. The Immersing Soul
3. Darkness Has Returned
4. Rebel Of Fallen Angels
5. Profane Hallucinations
6. Obsessed By Shadows
7. Lostlessness
8. Astronomy Domine
9. Osculum Infame
10. The Ones Who Dwell Within(Released Demo 2005)
11. Rise Old Fire God(Demo 1999)
12. The Immersing Soul(Demo 1999)
13. Profane Hallucinations(Demo 1999)
14. Obsessed By Death(Demo 1999)

Dark Psychosis Lineup:

Sean "Xaphan" Peters - Vocals, Guitar and Drums
Mike "Skinthrasher" Hudson - Drums (guest appearance)

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