OBSIDIAN SEA formed in 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Blending Proto-Rock with Atmospheric/Doom Rock and adding elements of Progressive Metal, they create a wild sonic journey guaranteed to transport you to a place you have likely not visited before, but you will want to get back to at some point in time. Released February 4, 2022, "Pathos" is a trip through the mind working to find what and who you are. Ripple Music definitely found an interesting band to beef up their label and attract listeners.

The record opens with "Lament the Death of Wonder," a mid-tempo rocker with some ethereal keyboards under the riff adding a layer of sound to the rhythm. The riff is a bit sludgy at times, varying slightly in speed depending on the section. The drums are tempered and measured to be a driving force, but not a something to make your heart race. This is a very moderated band. They are perfectly happy taking their time and building the song slowly and that works beautifully with how this band operates.

"The Long Drowning" is sludgier than the previous song. The riff is smooth and slow as molasses, oozing forth and taking you on a slow journey through the mind. The dual vocals of Anton and Delyan are a significant part of the sound of OBSIDIAN SEA. They work together in harmony, blending two voices into one and giving the impression of unity and force.

For a change of pace, "Sisters" is a bit faster and has a really interesting guitar solo. The pace is fantastic, slowly ripping through some interesting tones, while taking the time to let those tones sink in before moving to the next phrase. Anton masterfully laid out that solo to fit the song and not overshadow it. Meanwhile, Bozhidar stays solid on the drums. His pacing is phenomenal. Even Dalyen gets a bit of love, playing a bit of a bass lead.

"Mythos" and "The Revenants" are again slow and almost mystical. More harmonized vocals showcase a side of the band. Their rhythms and riffs are almost minimalist, angling into the doom/sludge realm, but their vocals are much more significant and build the sound up more than a single voice could. The songs seem to be built for one voice, but the additional backing vocals really level the songs up.

"I Love the Woods" has a beautiful shift early on that really catches the ear. It is not a massive shift, but it excellent, nonetheless. The tonal twist is subtle, but noticeable. "The Meaning of Shadows" rounds out the album, starting with a haunting intro of bass guitar and eerie keys. This song is almost a horror story in musical form. The slow, oozing guitar work is dark and oddly beautiful.

OBSIDIAN SEA is not listed as a Sludge/Doom, but the influence is undeniable. Their tones and pacing are dark, brooding, and mysterious. Their harmonies are superb, layering in vocal tones that flow together in waves of sonic bliss that carry the listener on a raft of sound. The overall effect is a bit of a conflict between the beauty of the voices and the beast of the tones. They work together in ways that are surprising only because it seems like they should not go together, but they do, magically.