In the USA, it's common for bands to try any strategy of form to create a personal way of sounding. Even when things are becoming saturated, it's not hard to see a North American band trying something unusual. And it's the case of the quintet OXBLOOD FORGE as heard on "Cult of Oblivion". The main musical sheath of the band can be labeled as traditional Heavy Metal with influences of Hard Rock of the 70s, but it's filled with influences of Doom Metal, Stoner Metal/Rock, Blues Rock and much more. It reflects on a musical work that seems to bleed with the crude and organic energy of the 70s, but with elements of the 80s and 90s as well, being melodically hooking in many moments (due the strength of its guitars, as can be heard on "Upon the Altar"), but bitter and oppressive on others (pay attention to the darkened and groove ambiences on "Cleanse With Fire" to check this aspect).

It's different from the usual, especially due the harsh screamed vocals. Why are you waiting to have your own experience on this EP? These songs were recorded and mixed by James Gazerro at The Red Room Attleboro (MA), and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. The sonority is brutal and oppressive, with a clear organic appeal that uses modern technologies to make things easier to deal on studio. It's a good result that could be better, but's not bad at all.

"Cult of Oblivion" is a brutal and abrasive song filled with many Stoner Rock melodies, with omnipresent guitar riffs boosting the weight. On "Upon the Altar", the presence of abrasive bass guitar and drums parts on the heavy rhythms fills the song with a Doom Metal/Stoner Rock appeal (and what very good chorus). On "Cleanse With Fire", there are moments where the quintet uses somber ambiences filled with nasty and bitter groove influences during the slower moments, but what amazing energy flows from it (and what good screams of the vocals). And "Mask of Satan" is another bitter and heavy song with a crude aggressive appeal, but with melodies binding things together (with some melancholic vocals that remind a lot Layne Stanley's singing on ALICE IN CHAINS early works).

"Cult of Oblivion" is really a good release, and maybe it's preparing the way for the coming of OXBLOOD FORGE's new album. It's very good, indeed.