Review of Obsequiae - "Aria of Vernal Tombs"

INDEPENDENT INSANITY

By: Geoff Teach

Atmospheric black metal is on the rise. From Washington’s Wolves In The Throne Room to Chicago’s Vukari and Warforged, there has been a pronounced surge in the otherwise obscure subgenre. Brandishing a more decidedly folk/classical influence than the aforementioned acts, though, is the Minnesota trio, Obsequiae, who recently released their sophomore full-length, Aria of Vernal Tombs (20 Buck Spin).

With eleven sweeping, chimerical tracks, Aria of Vernal Tombs is a spectacular album full of natural, organic tones and craftily composed atmospheric black metal arrangements. Now, if you ask the band, they’d say that they serve no genres or titles, but for posterity’s sake, I had to categorize them. But honestly, with their gorgeous acoustic interludes and top-notch composing, it does become harder to truly pin Obsequiae down. Ultimately though, no genre-labeling is required to thoroughly enjoy this rich, deep, and utterly fantastic album.

Obsequiae first introduce you to their acoustic side with their adaptation of the classical Spanish folk song, “Ay Que Por Muy Gran Fremosura”, and then regale you with their soaring, reverberated black metal with two of my favorites, “Autumnal Pyre” and “Until All Ages Fall”. Getting back to nature with the beautifully sad “L’Amour Dont Sui Espris”, Obsequiae show off their musical genius by recording their version of a song that was originally composed in the 12th century. Next, the trio displays their own musical craftsmanship with two pendulously heavy tunes, “Pools of a Vernal Paradise” and “Anlace and Heart”. The subtle-yet-important alteration between heavier, fuller metal tracks and gentler, stripped-down, cambering songs (such as the next track, “The Anchoress’s Orison”) is an astute move that shifts moods and provides a tangible substance that perfectly rounds out Aria.

Finishing off the collection in swirling, stellar fashion with strong tracks such as “In The Absence of Light”, “Wilweorthunga”, and “Orphic Rites of the Mystic”, Obsequiae have crafted an album in Aria of Vernal Tombs that is astonishing, beautiful, and vast – and oh yeah, it’s pretty heavy, too. I fully suggest this wondrously killer album to all of my readers, especially those who dig WITTR or Vukari. Purchase your own digital copy from the 20 Buck Spin Bandcamp page today (link provided below)!

Keep it Metal! \m/

To listen to “Autumnal Pyre” off of Aria of Vernal Tombs, just press play below!