I have been spending my time on everything but updating this blog for a while so I decided it's time I try something different. This is a hip-hop blog and that's how it's going to stay, don't worry, but everyone that stumbles across this site should have the chance to check out this gem. I doubt anyone here has any interest in metal, but I can't resist putting this out there.
Sludge and doom are some of my favorite genres of metal, and music in general. One of my favorite sludge acts I discovered maybe a few months ago by word of mouth and I couldn't have been luckier. Obscure Sphinx is a sludge/post-metal outfit from Warsaw, Poland, founded in 2008. They have 3 releases out so far, 2 being demos. Their latest release, Anaesthetic Inhalation Ritual, is a groundbreaking record. 7 Tracks long and totaling just under an hour, I feel like this should have been longer. Every time I listen to it I have to just start it over again. Perhaps the best thing about this album is the vocalist, who is probably the most powerful and passionate I've ever heard in metal, or in any other genre. Every style she takes on is phenomenal and moving. She can easily switch between bleak, harsh shrieking of sorts and a cleaner, passionate clean voice, but never loses her power. I know I really sound like a dick-rider (despite her being female) but I honestly don't have any gripes here. There are many sections on this release where vocals aren't present so you never feel overwhelmed and can just just zone out to the melodies. This release is full of energetic riffs that slow into a calm section in the middle of the album, and pick back up before the end, really feeling like a journey. Again, I can't think of anything bad to say. From the riffs to the drumming and bass, the instrumentation never lacks for emotion and energy. A little past the middle of the album, there is such tension before getting back to the fast and angry sections and such a buildup that when it finally arrives you will probably break your head through the closest object in front of you. The main riffs here remind me Meshuggah, but are pulled off better (as far as I'm concerned) and the music itself isn't as repetitive. For this section there is a another intense buildup of energy with backing guitar solos and growls until it eventually slows down once again and eases into the final track. Unfortunately, I feel that this track isn't as good as the rest of the album. There are a few sections where the clean vocals seem to take away from the music, but other parts you would feel like the vocalist is in tears. It's truly an experience nonetheless and still ends very well and keeps you wanting more. This entire release will have you headbanging and losing your connection with reality (in the good way). I am very excited to see where Obscure Sphinx goes with their career and I urge you to try this album.
You can listen 21 minutes of material and buy a digital copy of the album on their bandcamp for 3 EUR.
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