OBSCURA - Cosmogenesis
April 6, 2009, 15 years ago
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Not hard to figure out where Obscura is coming from in terms of its influences, especially given its admittedly wicked band name which is taken from Gorguts’ classic progressive death catalogue. Essentially playing the next generation of the Gorguts’ sound, Obscura writes at a high level and performs similarly, these German dudes definitely adept in the prog n’ shred department. Unfortunately, and like most prog-obsessed metal bands, Obscura ventures into Dream Theater land and mines Portnoy’s and Petrucci’s creations from time to time, though, to be fair, Obscura’s true spiritual forefather is seemingly Spiral Architect (no surprise) and the aforementioned Gorguts. That Dream Theater comment aside, Cosmogenesis is an eminently enjoyable record, one that is steadfast in its prog but also brutal enough to appeal to those simply looking for a well-played death metal album. And if you look at it for too long, Cosmogenesis’ cover begins to resemble the art that adorns the latest Cynic record: it’s (prog) synchronicity at work, no doubt.
