Hibernaut, an American doom/sludge/stoner metal band, is set to release their album ‘Obsidian Eye’ independently in July 2025. The band’s lineup includes guitarist and vocalist Dave Jones, drummer Zach Hatsis, and lead guitarist Matt Miller. Their music style draws influences from bands like High On Fire, Mastodon, and Sleep.
The album kicks off with the track ‘Engorge Behemoth,’ featuring heavy riffs reminiscent of Monster Magnet but with a unique twist in the solos. The song, although lengthy at 8 minutes, showcases the band’s blend of progressive and heavy sounds. However, the lack of vocal melody leaves something to be desired in terms of songwriting.
Transitioning to ‘Venatic Rite,’ the band explores a more chaotic sound akin to Black Sabbath and Orange Goblin with grunts that add to the overall atmosphere. Despite the track’s entertainment value, it still falls short of fully engaging the listener. ‘Pestiferous’ follows suit with a slowed-down riff reminiscent of Metallica, offering a semi-chilled listening experience.
‘Obsidian Eye’ delves into bluesy doom with thrash metal tempos, showcasing the band’s attempt at innovation in their style. The album continues with ‘Revenants,’ featuring blast beats that blur the lines between doom and death metal influences. While the musicianship is solid throughout, some tracks lack complexity and originality.
‘Beset’ stands out with its bluesy doom metal riffs and intricate guitar work, reminiscent of Black Sabbath’s style. This track offers a refreshing take on the genre, showcasing the band’s potential for creativity. However, ‘Dark-Light’ and ‘Goner’ fall into a more forgettable territory, lacking the same level of intrigue as earlier tracks.
In conclusion, ‘Obsidian Eye’ showcases Hibernaut’s potential but falls short in terms of fully engaging the listener. While the album boasts strong structures and musicianship, it lacks the depth and melodic elements that could elevate it to a higher level. Despite the band’s attempt at blending different influences, the album may not appeal to a wide audience.
Overall, Hibernaut’s ‘Obsidian Eye’ offers a mix of heavy and progressive sounds that may resonate with fans of the genre. With room for growth in their songwriting and vocal delivery, the band shows promise in their exploration of doom/sludge/stoner metal elements. As they continue to evolve their sound, Hibernaut has the potential to make a significant impact in the metal music scene.
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