THE OSSUARY are a group of veteran Italian musicians that have started this project in 2014, and have since then released three full length albums, including their newest offering Oltretomba. The word is translated from Italian meaning the underworld, and was used often in the horror genre when describing the films of Fulci, and Argento in the 70's and 80's. Also used when referring to the works of Italian composer Ennio Morricone, whose resume is second to none and deserves to be checked out if you are unaware of his works. The band has been working together since 1993 under the name NATRON, and have six album releases under their belt. The only change, besides musical styles, is the bringing in of Stefano "Stiv" for the vocals, and has been with the project for all three of their releases.

The album starts out with the song "Ratking", and is a good opening introduction to the style that is offered up throughout the album. Along the same lines of a GHOST or PEAGAN ALTAR, and with some of the power of a DIO, the song flows easily as the guitars take on an eerie sound and the bass and drums create a wall behind, allowing Stiv's vocals to come through cleanly. The last half of the song is strongly instrumental with a fitting guitar solo and picks up a heavier tone before finishing up. It is a really kick-ass song. "Kyrie Eleison" presents the strength that soars with Stiv's vocals, and along with the gradual rise and fall of tempo gives this song layers in which each instrument devastates in their own ways. The bass is pumping throughout giving the drums a lot of chance for creativity, and it all ties in nicely with a few tasty riffs from the guitar. There is a bit of a progressive metal/rock vibe with the next song "Serpent Magic", that has some slowed down doomish riffs that are pedal heavy at times for a mysterious feel, that get ramped up with the bass drum and cymbal work by Max. Dario's bass is great in this song as it engulfs a heavy blues riff, almost with an old BLACK SABBATH tone, and is constantly at work and never seems to be rushed at any point.

The album continues on with "Orbits", which is a eight and a half minute song, four of which is instrumental and you can sense their musicianship and the fact that these guys have been playing together for a while. The gradual rise in tempo is on point and leaves you banging your head, the bass is relentless, Domenico's guitar has a trippy intensity to it that you wish would never end. A very well done song that seems to be put together with how the band wants it to be played and heard, with no limitations. It carries over into "Crucifer" with a relaxed guitar intro that turns into a crunchy riff that is a mainstay in the first half of the song, and in which the rest revolves around.

"Mourning Star" comes with an upbeat energy, and has great rhythm thanks to some fantastic bass work by Dario. Maintaining great bass lines that vary to tie into drum fills when the bridge and chorus come. The album finishes off with the titled track "Oltretomba" which takes on a melancholy feeling that picks up, comes back down and vice versa. Given the name being underworld, it gives a great representation to the hopeless feeling felt at times in the old Italian horror movies of the 70's and 80's. Also having yet again, another great opening riff by the guitar and bass, as there is no shortage of on this record.

These guys have put together a solid album, that you can sense with the time playing together, are becoming and have become, very strong musicians. There is no need to dominate or overpower here, just solid play all around and some great vocals and lyrics. As I could understand that it is not going to tickle everyone's fancy, it is a very powerful record. I would recommend giving it a try and am looking forward to going back and hearing the first couple records they have released.