Oblomov - Communitas (Deconstructing The Order)
Czech black/death metal band Oblomov are now on studio album number 2, I had a feeling this album may be a little tiresome upon first listen, the opening “intro”, i.e. ‘The Carnival’ had all the hallmarks of another black metal album draped in concept and a supposed kvlt weirdness. Thankfully, this is not the case! Mixing the melodic death of Dark Tranquility and the black of fellow countrymen Inferno, this is quite a spectacular use of numerous instruments. It sounds like a trumpet during the latter stages of ‘Farewell to the Flesh’ which is a sorrow-ridden assault on depression with atmosphere in plentiful supply.
The guitar and drum work is especially pleasing. I wondered if the drums were going to explode during ‘Mysterium Tremendum’, the song itself can be described as a particular epic tune, piano movements work well in the background of some breakdowns. ‘Deconstructing the Order’ and ‘Ship of Fools on Its Way to Timelessness’ complete some of the most satisfying tunes on offer. I tried this in the car, it did not work, at home, relaxing, this is a perfect album, no hits, or singles, an album in the fullest sense of the word. The variation of instruments still keeps appearing, and this is one of the first times that I have ever thought that the non-standard guitars, bass and drums would ever surpass expectations. The arrangements are spellbinding and feel rather special.
There is no over the top clever folk/black/death metal stories or arrangements, instead what you have is a clear, precise collective of instrumental genius and a vocal rasp that commends attention. The complex arrangements are made to sound simple and flow without any need to think about what happens in and around you during this listening experience. That is what ‘Communitas’ is about for me, an effortless cultural experience in dark metal melancholy.
The guitar and drum work is especially pleasing. I wondered if the drums were going to explode during ‘Mysterium Tremendum’, the song itself can be described as a particular epic tune, piano movements work well in the background of some breakdowns. ‘Deconstructing the Order’ and ‘Ship of Fools on Its Way to Timelessness’ complete some of the most satisfying tunes on offer. I tried this in the car, it did not work, at home, relaxing, this is a perfect album, no hits, or singles, an album in the fullest sense of the word. The variation of instruments still keeps appearing, and this is one of the first times that I have ever thought that the non-standard guitars, bass and drums would ever surpass expectations. The arrangements are spellbinding and feel rather special.
There is no over the top clever folk/black/death metal stories or arrangements, instead what you have is a clear, precise collective of instrumental genius and a vocal rasp that commends attention. The complex arrangements are made to sound simple and flow without any need to think about what happens in and around you during this listening experience. That is what ‘Communitas’ is about for me, an effortless cultural experience in dark metal melancholy.
1. The Carnival
2. Masquerade
3. Deconstructing the Order
4. Separation
5. Ship of Fools on Its Way to Timelessness
6. Wings of the Silver Drake
7. Liminality
8. Romans 1580
9. Incorporation
10. Farewell to the Flesh
11. Mysterium Tremendum
12. 1206 (The Shadow of Burchan Chaldun)
13. Jeke Mongol Ulus
14. Silencio y Tranquilidad
15. Silencio
