OBSIDIAN FALL is an Italian Death Metal band formed in January 2023 by guitarist Promether and bassist Nanse. Initially, their music featured melodic experiments, which underwent a significant transformation in November 2023 with the addition of vocalist Mira, whose voice seamlessly integrated with the essence of the project. In 2024, drummer Iskandar joined OBSIDIAN FALL, completing the lineup and adding to the band's already rich tapestry of ideas and passion. So far, the information that came with the music. Saves me from looking it up. OBSIDIAN FALL play Melodic Death Metal, but allegedly have a tendency to experiment with that style in order to add more layers.

As the band is a relative new kid on the block, it will not surprise you that “Elegy From a Dying World” is the debut album. 50 minutes ling the band is attempting to win you over with their brand of Melodic Death Metal. What does help in this respect is that Mira has a voice that sounds good as she uses a clean voice as well as when she is grunting. She is seconded by a male voice, but I couldn’t determine who is the one helping out. According to the Metal Archives Promether as well as Iskandar do backing vocals, so at least we know who is responsible.

Even more information from the EPK: Though not a concept album, “Elegy From a Dying World” follows a narrative thread depicting a world in ruins, where relentless catastrophes wipe out almost all life on the planet, marking both an end and a new beginning. Some tracks draw inspiration from the bleak and desolate imagery of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”, amplifying the sense of despair and resilience that permeates the novel. Two instrumental pieces further enrich the storytelling: one charged with aggression and tension, the other more intimate and evocative, expressing an unexpected dimension of love amidst the desolation.

It has to be said, for an album that OBSIDIAN FALL wrote, recorded, produced and released on their own accord, this isn’t bad at all. There is enough depth in the songs to keep it interesting. I just feel that the songwriting itself needs to grow a bit further before they produce songs that will blow you away. Now they just feel a little too much middle of the road. I'm missing the promised experimentation and desolation. But as OBSIDIAN FALL is at the start of their career, I am hopeful that “Elegy From a Dying World” is just the starting point. If they improve every time they write new stuff, they should come out stronger with each release.