Blog Post // 2022-05-13

Obscura Albums Ranked Worst to Best

With all the disastrous elements in life right now, all out of my control (my car totalled by a falling carport, for example), I needed some death metal. At times, I seem to lean towards tech death, so why not go right to a big name, and see how their albums stack against each other?

Of course I have heard of Obscura over the years; I have seen it everywhere, and heard a song here or there. I never gave much attention to it until recently, when they came out with the new album. I wondered, is this album a good representation of what they sound like, and what they stand for? And thus began this journey to see what Obscura is, and what albums draw me in.

One thing for sure, this is a talented bunch. And though the band members have changed over the years, the talent remained.

Some of the quieter moments in their music reminded me of the soundtrack for the original Diablo video game - quiet, haunting, like you are waiting for the action-packed future. The calm before the storm. (Though I don't generally enjoy listening to soundtracks, Diablo is one of my favourite games of all time.)

Something I have come to realize about this band is that I, personally, find them relaxing, and it doesn't feel like they are playing songs. The guitar lines feel more like flowing music, but not really songs. I imagine this is a relaxing way to play, though only the most skilled of musicians could relax into this.

You may not agree with my rankings, but here it is: Obscura albums ranked worst to best! This wasn't easy!

Cosmogenesis (2009)

Feels like a lot of fast-paced drumming and bassiness. The standout for me was the awkwardness of this weird effect on the vocals at all times. It surprised me a lot, and made for a cosmic feel, but not my kind of thing.

This artwork makes me think of the death star, and I don't think it is that far off, considering the cosmic nature here. Certainly this planet and/or vessel has seen better days, as it has a hole blasted through the side.

Seems to be a love/hate relationship with the universe, which makes me think of how we humans treat it. It also seems like a passing through to somewhere else. I envision parts of life suspended in the sky and floating along, experiencing them as you leave.

Length: 10 songs // 50 minutes 7 seconds

Best Song: Incarnated

Diluvium (2018)

The instrumental elements are highly contrasted against each other. The use of the effect on the vocals seemed odd at times. I guess they liked it and were sticking to it, since this is many years from when we first heard them use these vocal effects. I find them hard to look past.

This artwork literally made me wonder out loud, "What is this?" And I still don't know. A softer blueberry planet. 

Very wordy, and this one feels like the end of things, black holes, and falling through skies. Maybe this is falling in the lines of the cosmology, which I don't know a tonne about. But the premise is that though many view humans as the main focus in this universe, they are actually insignificant and at the whim of the great universe.

Length: 11 songs // 53 minutes 58 seconds

Best Song: Ekpyrosis

Akróasis (2016)

I like the deep vocal that takes the lead on this one. I like the way it feels like a journey, not songs. Some nice drawn-out melodic parts, and some loopy parts.

Another explosive-looking part of the cosmic ends of the universe. These colours make it feel more inviting and warm, as do the crystals covering the rock or planet.

The mood set by these lyrics is action-packed and seems dangerous. Seems to include ending of cosmic bodies, and beginnings. It has that no-control-over-the-situation kind of feeling. Not near as inviting as the picture makes me think. Made me ask myself why is tech death so wordy? lol

Length: 9 songs // 57 minutes 56 seconds

Best Songs: Fractal Dimension, Weltseele

A Valediction (2021)

The pace of the drums isn't always at 100; instead there is a mixture. That raspy, painful-sounding vocal works, as well as the growl. Some drawn-out parts, even. At times, the guitar feels a little rock-oriented, such as in Adversity. Sometimes, as people get older, they seem to lose some of their pizzazz, but I am not feeling that here. These songs feel more approachably laid out. Songs are more discernible from each other. This album feels emotional. Again, I note some thrashy elements, but more in the pace of the guitar at times, which actually reminds me of Megadeth, such as in Orbital Elements.

This artwork makes the most sense to me, based on the theme of this album. Seems to be a man heading out into the atmosphere. I believe it is the end of his life, and he is naked and back to an almost birth-like state.

This is a more direct album, lyrically. It feels like it is an acceptance of death. In some ways, it feels almost like you willed yourself to die, and death has brought some release.

Length: 11 songs // 51 minutes 32 seconds

Best Songs: A Valediction, Devoured Usurper

Omnivium (2011)

This one seems more loopy in it's nature, but sometimes it seems to break free of the fast drum/bassiness that is likely expected. Also has some nice melodic instrumental portions. That raspy and deep vocal works, here. Sometimes haunting vocals where the effect was used. I think they were more tasteful than what we heard just years prior.

The visual here makes me think of a sea creature; a set of ribs opened wide, and a vortex or portal. 

Seems like a view of this world being only one place on your life's journey, and one seen as the bottom, or most lowly. Seems to be a journey of the soul.

Length: 9 songs // 54 minutes 15 seconds

Best Songs: Ocean Gateways, A Transcendental Serenade

Retribution (2006)

Their first full album - I have to respect that. I tend to want to hear where bands started out. There is an older sound to it, to me, even older than it's actual release date. Maybe it is their respect for those before them coming out. (The covers give me this information - respect.) Some dark vibes with the violin. Some high vocals. Some robotic sounds, this early on in their journey. Those death metal riffs are what draw me to this album. Seems to be moving forward nicely. Vocal sounds kind of thrashy and intense. I get a sense of emotion on this album.

The album art shows a depiction of someone... getting injured, let's say (bear with me). But because of the name of this album, we know this was a targeted attack meant to punish. 

The theme seems to be of a punishment targeted at yourself, or maybe many people at a time. I am picturing this kind of torture and death in a widespread kind of way. This retribution seems to be eternal or never-ending.

Length: 11 songs // 45 minutes 50 seconds

Best Songs: Alone, Exit Life