Obsidian Tide: Pillars Of Creation

Following on from a promising EP, Pillars Of Creation is the debut proper from Israeli progressive metal trio Obsidian Tide, a band looking to combine the melancholy side of prog with something altogether more abrasive. Early though it may be in their development, along the way they have already enlisted some renowned names to help this album sparkle in all the right places - Mike Lepond (Symphony X) guesting on bass on one track, while the whole shebang has been mixed and mastered by a certain Jamie King.

So, safe in the knowledge that everything will sound as it should and with the promise of a star turn near the album’s end, what do Obsidian Tide do to deserve such pulling power? Well, firstly, if you’d have asked me to guess at this band’s nationality without any prior knowledge I’d have suggested they were Polish. The reason behind this misguided geographical guesswork being their ability to weave a more reserved progressive framework into their attack in the way that Riverside have -and so many bands from their part of the world have followed. The clean vocals from guitarist Oz Avneya also remind in places of Riverside’s Mariusz Duda, however the harsh singing from bassist Shachar Bieber offer something else entirely and while his gritty attack can be a little polite in places, the contrast is welcome, if somewhat safe. Where things do stand out however is in the musical talent department, with the guitar solos from Avneya driving the likes of “Portent Of Betrayal� to heights it otherwise would not achieve, while the drumming from Erez Nadler is impressive throughout. The man behind the kit is also credited with ‘programming’ and whether that takes in the smooth synth atmospheres of “Hiraeth� I’m not sure. However, they add a different complexion to the Obsidian Tide sound and while things do nearly degenerate into something all too extreme and expected, this trio’s ability to flit from style to style as they refuse to be pinned down is a huge part of their attraction.

“The Harbinger And The Millennial Vengeance� is where Lepond brings his bass magic and he does so in whole hearted style, however Bieber is no slouch in this department either and he matches his band mates eagerly on the other cuts on show. Although, having a true genre master lend a hand isn’t going to hurt anyone, is it?

Obsidian Tide are still taking early steps in their progress and yet, even with that in mind, Pillars Of Creation is a thoroughly believable statement of intent. If this is just the beginning, they may just prove to be main players for a long time to come.

Track Listing
1. Pillars of Creation
2. Seven
3. King of a New Realm
4. Portent of Betrayal
5. Hiraeth
6. The Harbinger and the Millennial Vengeance
7. Magnanimous

Added: July 25th 2020
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Obsidian Tide @ bandcamp
Hits: 951
Language: english

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