Obsidian

Ibyss is a newly formed German industrial metal outfit ("newly" meaning in the past couple years) expecting themselves to be a "punch in the gut" to the modern music scene. Taking cues from inspirational visionaries as Godflesh and Ministry, this self-professed "two guys, brutal vocals, etc. etc." is definitely serving up quite the platter with their intentions, posturing and first full-length. But in their defense, t'would be wise to put as best a foot forward as they can to ensure proper attention is to be paid the first time around. One would think, anyway...

Things are certainly of simpler, straightforward aggressive measures once it all comes together. Think the appeal of a regular Super Mario Bros. stage (the original 1985 game) where things only move to the right instead of any and every direction one could go, and you've got a good idea on what to expect with "Obsidian". Just guitars, distorted bass, a drum machine and shouting vocals all unifying in one single strike against the listener. And for some (if not many) out there, that's all you'll need. Such a stripped-down fashion works in both good and bad ways; it's easy to get into the tracks given the songs' uncomplicated nature, though they'll occasionally throw you for a loop (see: the growly/blasting chorus and softer, clean singing bridge of "New Counter") to keep it all from rusting too prematurely. The general vibe of the album has the space-age appeal of industrial meeting the bro-like angst of modern hardcore that tends to miss more than hit; maybe that worked well with the 'forementioned inspirational groups, but with this it sounds somewhat forced and unnecessary during the parts meant to be more mechanical in approach (see: the end breakdown of "Carrion Crow").

The production is clear yet cluttered; too often the instrumentation tends to be drowned out by the vocals and drum machine beats, which to be honest could have sounded more organic than the artificial beats that make up the majority of the percussion work. It may be a drum machine, but it doesn't have to sound like a drum machine (if you ask me...). The performance is earnest despite the limiting aspects the music tends to provide, which could take some of the sting out of the ennui-causing sensations a listener/potential fan hoping for something else to happen as the album progresses may suffer from. This doesn't happen all that often, thankfully and to the duo's benefit, but those occasions when it does are rather noticeable. It's really a case of proper enjoyment coming to be if this is your cup of tea, and anyone else will be left cold and uninterested, sad to say; some would find the repetitive nature of the material making the songs feel longer than they should given the lack of stylistic depth and undemanding nature in themselves. At best, it's decent for what it is, but more could easily been done and added. Maybe next time?

In the end Ibyss didn't exactly storm out of the gate with "Obsidian" and could only be recommended to the most hardened of industrial aficionados. I can't say I walked away with any kind of gut-punching save for the occasional jab, but I didn't really hate it either. So...yeah.