OBSCURITY - Ascheregen
Release Date: January 29th, 2026
Trollzorn Records
German melodic death/black/viking metal band are set to release their 10th album through Trollzorn Records. Since their previous release, "Skogarmaors" there has been changes in the lineup of Obscurity. This has led to a change in their sound and an addition of new musical attributes. Alongside the melodic death metal and viking metal components there is additional black metal elements added. The band states that, "Ascheregen" musically moves closer to the direction of their albums "Tenkterra" and "Vintar". The band feels they have achieved a more mature sound on this release and are excited to have a guest appearance from Erik Grawsiö of Månegarm on "Rúnar Víg". Lyrically the band says themes relatiing to, "old Norse mythology, the violent shadows of Christianization and the fractures of our modern world" are explored.
"Initium Dekadentiae" (The Beginning of Decadence) is a strong way to engage a listeners initial experience. After a short melodic intro, the song moves into an excellent ear grabbing speed infused idea. This progresses with strength and intelligence laying heavy into their classic melodic death metal influences. "Flammentaufe" (Baptism of Fire) is where I start hearing some subtle black metal influences. This definitely doesn't stray too far from their base sound. Exhilarating more than violently brutal, the song's charm resides in the bands catchy songwriting and musicianship. Next, "Schwur" (Oath) keeps the momentum going with alternating rhythmic ideas and centering some parts around the bass itself. Slightly more diverse than the first two tracks, Obscurity chooses to keep things fresh by not always headed into expected areas. "Blutgebet" (Blood Prayer) has a gripping chorus that is a prominent attribute to the song as they should be. The rest of the song is a mixture of varying movements of both aggressiveness and simpler, but needed, ideas. "Ascheregen" (Ash Rain) has a slower start before headed into a skillfully constructed dual guitar idea. Perhaps a more straightforward song, but it doesn't lack in quality song creation. The seventh song. "Ketzerjagd" (Heretic Hunt) supplies a visualization of battle infused barbarity. Taking a landscape by storm as the masses stretch out un-ceremoniously, entrapping the weak. Rhythmic stops in the beginning give way to combat inspiring melodies inspiring the ongoing attack. "Läuterung" (Purification) is an melodic anthem reminiscent heroic tales of war-torn soldiers. The song is a steady accompaniment to paths previously explored on the album. An assortment readily identifiable stand-alone ideas that make the whole solidly constructed. Next, "Bekehrung" (Conversion) stretches out menacingly amongst the bloody remnants of conquest. With some ideas that could be labeled more rock in flavor, they don't forget about the driving metallic elements. Like previous songs, time was spent crafting an accessible personality to the song writing. "Runenwinter" is a sonic portrait of everlasting battles, flags waving triumphantly with one story inspiring win, but awaiting the next fierce conflict. A song that carries the "Viking metal" tag rather well. "Rúnar Víg" has a laid back introduction that is complimented well by steady backing drums. The sung parts of the track are a unique aspect from the previous songs. The transition at :40 apprehends the listener with a powerful strike. All the other features intertwine well to create a memorable experience. The last song, "Dystopie und Schwanengesang" (Dystopia and Swan Song) sets in motion a feeling of hard-won accomplishment. As the day draws to a close on the battle-scarred wasteland they can return home victorious. Melody at the forefront of their creation, they never lost the uncompromising intentions of their death metal roots. Injected at 1:49 is a neat break in the song before they can be seen wearily walking into the distance crafting tales of strenuous achievement.
www.facebook.com/obscuritybergischland
trollzorn.de
Release Date: January 29th, 2026
Trollzorn Records
German melodic death/black/viking metal band are set to release their 10th album through Trollzorn Records. Since their previous release, "Skogarmaors" there has been changes in the lineup of Obscurity. This has led to a change in their sound and an addition of new musical attributes. Alongside the melodic death metal and viking metal components there is additional black metal elements added. The band states that, "Ascheregen" musically moves closer to the direction of their albums "Tenkterra" and "Vintar". The band feels they have achieved a more mature sound on this release and are excited to have a guest appearance from Erik Grawsiö of Månegarm on "Rúnar Víg". Lyrically the band says themes relatiing to, "old Norse mythology, the violent shadows of Christianization and the fractures of our modern world" are explored.
"Initium Dekadentiae" (The Beginning of Decadence) is a strong way to engage a listeners initial experience. After a short melodic intro, the song moves into an excellent ear grabbing speed infused idea. This progresses with strength and intelligence laying heavy into their classic melodic death metal influences. "Flammentaufe" (Baptism of Fire) is where I start hearing some subtle black metal influences. This definitely doesn't stray too far from their base sound. Exhilarating more than violently brutal, the song's charm resides in the bands catchy songwriting and musicianship. Next, "Schwur" (Oath) keeps the momentum going with alternating rhythmic ideas and centering some parts around the bass itself. Slightly more diverse than the first two tracks, Obscurity chooses to keep things fresh by not always headed into expected areas. "Blutgebet" (Blood Prayer) has a gripping chorus that is a prominent attribute to the song as they should be. The rest of the song is a mixture of varying movements of both aggressiveness and simpler, but needed, ideas. "Ascheregen" (Ash Rain) has a slower start before headed into a skillfully constructed dual guitar idea. Perhaps a more straightforward song, but it doesn't lack in quality song creation. The seventh song. "Ketzerjagd" (Heretic Hunt) supplies a visualization of battle infused barbarity. Taking a landscape by storm as the masses stretch out un-ceremoniously, entrapping the weak. Rhythmic stops in the beginning give way to combat inspiring melodies inspiring the ongoing attack. "Läuterung" (Purification) is an melodic anthem reminiscent heroic tales of war-torn soldiers. The song is a steady accompaniment to paths previously explored on the album. An assortment readily identifiable stand-alone ideas that make the whole solidly constructed. Next, "Bekehrung" (Conversion) stretches out menacingly amongst the bloody remnants of conquest. With some ideas that could be labeled more rock in flavor, they don't forget about the driving metallic elements. Like previous songs, time was spent crafting an accessible personality to the song writing. "Runenwinter" is a sonic portrait of everlasting battles, flags waving triumphantly with one story inspiring win, but awaiting the next fierce conflict. A song that carries the "Viking metal" tag rather well. "Rúnar Víg" has a laid back introduction that is complimented well by steady backing drums. The sung parts of the track are a unique aspect from the previous songs. The transition at :40 apprehends the listener with a powerful strike. All the other features intertwine well to create a memorable experience. The last song, "Dystopie und Schwanengesang" (Dystopia and Swan Song) sets in motion a feeling of hard-won accomplishment. As the day draws to a close on the battle-scarred wasteland they can return home victorious. Melody at the forefront of their creation, they never lost the uncompromising intentions of their death metal roots. Injected at 1:49 is a neat break in the song before they can be seen wearily walking into the distance crafting tales of strenuous achievement.
www.facebook.com/obscuritybergischland
trollzorn.de