Eight years after their critically-acclaimed debut, British death metal outfit Cruciamentum has returned with a vengeance. Their sophomore album, “Obsidian Refractions,” proves to be a worthy follow-up, pushing the boundaries of their already formidable sound.
The album isn’t just a continuation; it’s a culmination. Cruciamentum, now featuring a new lineup with American drummer Matt Heffner and blackened death metal veteran bassist Chris Eakes, delivers a more advanced and demanding listening experience. Reviews describe “Obsidian Refractions” as both savagely aggressive and progressively complex, a testament to the band’s growth while staying true to their roots in old-school death metal (OSDM).
The album title itself hints at the band’s exploration of darkness and atmosphere. Opener “Charnel Passages,” a clear callback to their debut “Charnel Passages,” sets the tone with its ominous riffs and deliberate pacing, building a sense of dread before exploding into full-on aural assault. Critics have noted influences from death metal legends like Vader, but Cruciamentum carves its own path with a unique blend of brutality and atmosphere.
“Obsidian Refractions” isn’t for the faint of heart. Tracks like “Scorn Manifestation” and “Interminable Rebirth of Abomination” clock in at over eight minutes each, showcasing the band’s ability to craft sprawling epics that keep the listener engaged. The album is a journey through aural hellscapes, but it’s a rewarding one for those who appreciate death metal at its most intense and unforgiving.
If you’re a fan of classic OSDM bands like Morbid Angel and Entombed, or modern acts like Deathspell Omega, then Cruciamentum’s “Obsidian Refractions” is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in brutality, complexity, and atmosphere, a surefire contender for death metal album of the year.
Leave a Reply