Obsession

A one-album-wonder from the Italian metal scene; not too many of those in the new millennium as bands usually hold on for longer nowadays with the technological advances and the generally less costly ways of musical production. This “Obsession” here at least was a promising beginning combining power, thrash and doom on a steady classic base.

The initial impression clings towards the Swedish stalwarts Morgana Lefay, both vocal and music-wise, with “Under My Aggression” which is a sprightly power/thrasher with epic progressive developments, a nice inauguration on all counts, the vocalist a valuable asset with his emotional high-strung antics, the only pullback from his side being the casual brutal death metal-ish insertions that simply don’t serve any purpose. The title-track goes on in the same direction, a really captivating blend of hard thrashing and imposing semi-balladic/doomy respites helped by short, but excellent lead throw-ins. “Black Jack Death” power/thrashes with verve, too, the more urgent pounding rhythm-section winking at Sanctuary and early Nevermore, keeping things within the mid-paced confines with a dark sombre aura; and “Your Face on the Blade” brightens the environment with livelier, more optimistic riffs the overall mood lifted from the 90’s power/speed metal movement.

“Halls of the Blind” has a more officious doomy colouring which works fine with the pounding power metal rhythms recalling Morgana Lefay again, above all; and “Dressed in Black” surprisingly turns to more stylish, more technical execution ala early-90’s Megadeth, the vocals also acquiring a thinner, meaner blend distantly recalling Dave Mustaine. “Demon” is an atmospheric combination of all the mentioned styles, the drama enhanced by both maddening fast-passages and great lead sections, whereas “Glasswall” focuses on more hard-hitting thrash applications calling to mind the Mustaine gang again, a nice piece with a tasteful bass bottom. More vigorous thrash on “Close Your Eyes”, a more hectic jumpier proposition with a wider array of tempo changes, the last contribution to the more aggressive side of the spectre, before “Unchained” pacifies the setting being a serene lead-driven, all-instrumental etude, and “Judgement Day” pulls out a handsome melo-power metal stunt with a nice memorable chorus, a leftover from “Youthanasia” that Mustaine would have been very proud of.

It’s a pity that the guys failed to produce a follow-up to this admirable addition to the burgeoning old school resurrection movement since they had all the requisite tools to play a more prominent role in it. The doom metal infatuations were given more freedom on the band’s extension Desert Rider, only more stoner-prone; while more intense thrash was heard on the other branch formed, Zombie Scars. One more fearless trading compendium doesn’t seem like a very likely proposition… until the next untrodden metal territory to be mapped.