CRUCIAMENTUM
CRUCIAMENTUM “Obsidian Refractions”
By Dr. Abner Mality
It’s been eight long years since Britain’s CRUCIAMENTUM released their debut record “Charnel Passages”, but it’s been worth it. “Obsidian Refractions” is a magnificently moody example of cryptic death metal. This has got some of the best riffs and most atmospheric passages I have heard in the genre for quite some time.
The quality is obvious from the first seconds of opener “Charnel Passages”. It kicks off with sublime British death-doom, a mournful cathedral of sound reminiscent of the best from PARADISE LOST or MY DYING BRIDE. The production is top notch...clear yet cavernous. About a minute and a half in, it kicks into overdrive and knocks your head off with scorching brutality. OK, it’s a type of death metal that’s been done a lot before, but man, these guys have really mastered it. This first cut is a great introduction to the album, but we’re just getting started. “Abhorrence Evangelium” is ripping from the jump, reminiscent of IMMOLATION at their best. And in fact, the best way to describe these guys is as a combination of IMMOLATION and MY DYING BRIDE, with touches of BLOODBATH and INCANTATION sprinkled in.
The album just seamlessly trudges on, with a dark, engulfing feeling. And yet the music is catchy in its fashion and easy to get into. I have to compliment drummer M.H., who is an absolute animal behind the kit. Not only does he hit hard and fast, but he adds a ton of tasty fills and clever cymbal work. A masterful performance. The only slight disappointment comes with last track “Drowned”, which is not a bad song at all, but not quite up to the rest of the album. It just didn’t hook me as much, But many bands would be happy to peel off something like this.
Not an explosion of originality, “Obsidian Refractions” is rather British death metal melted down, refined and cast forth in a perfect mold. Excellence in execution.