• Home
  • ABOUT
  • NEWS
    • UUTISET
  • REVIEWS
    • ALBUM REVIEW
    • CLASSIC ALBUMS
    • FEATURED SINGLE
    • SONG OF THE DAY
    • LIVE REPORT
    • SUPPORT YOUR LOCALS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • PREMIERE
  • GALLERY
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ
Search
Friday, May 20, 2022
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Tuonela Magazine
Hellsinki Metal Horizons
  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • NEWS
    • UUTISET
  • REVIEWS
    • ALBUM REVIEW
    • CLASSIC ALBUMS
    • FEATURED SINGLE
    • SONG OF THE DAY
    • LIVE REPORT
    • SUPPORT YOUR LOCALS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • BLOG
  • PREMIERE
  • GALLERY
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ
Home ALBUM REVIEW REVIEW: Obsidian Kingdom – Meat Machine
  • ALBUM REVIEW

REVIEW: Obsidian Kingdom – Meat Machine

By
Jana DB
-
September 25, 2020
0
481
Share
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp
ReddIt

    OBSIDIAN KINGDOM is a progressive metal outfit hailing from Barcelona, Spain. Their previous release, “A Year With No Summer” (were they predicting 2020?), dates back to 2016, and raised some heads in the scene, especially after critically acclaimed debut “Mantiis.” Heavily influenced by post-rock, they brought an atmospheric sound to the forefront that had its moments of excellence, but still had some room for change. Latest effort “Meat Machine” marks their third studio album, released on 25 September 2020 through French label Season of Mist.

    After the first listen, it is clear to me that this is a much less atmospheric, and much more aggressive album. It really packs a punch, sporting many different styles, but mostly staying on the heavy side. However, there are some breathers in the form of melancholic, soothing melodies that are a throwback to earlier work. All of this makes for an immersive record that makes you want to hit play time and time again, so you don’t miss any of the fascinating details.

    With themes exploring feelings of anxiety derived from the absurdity of reality and the inherent cruelty of a mechanised world, this is no lighthearted walk in the park, but rather a headfirst plunge into this society’s darkness. These “masters of every genre” take their contrasting sound and twist it into something equally twisted, ready to blow all of our minds. Taking previous records into account, OBSIDIAN KINGDOM never fails to surprise their audience with new invigorating ideas in songwriting and musicianship.

    “Meat Machine” is like a meat grinder of genres, turning them into a yummy experimental dish for all of you alternative metal gourmets. The explosive rage of appetizer “The Edge” is alternated by the calming vocals of Jade Riot Cul, who also has some impressive skills on the synths to showcase. “The Pump” takes an entirely different turn, adding some hardcore grooves into the meaty mix. Some cleverly inserted electronica in “Womb Of Wire” creates another extraordinary vibe, quite reminiscent of 90s alternative bands like DEFTONES. The twists and turns keep coming, at times when the listener least expects it. The many rhythm shifts complimented by awe-inspiring riffs, courtesy of both original member Rider G Omega and newbie Viral Vector Lips, unequivocally put the OBSIDIAN KINGDOM stamp on this newest album.

    OBSIDIAN KINGDOM‘s songwriting is enigmatic, cinematic, and out of this world. The band has matured and shaped their sound into something so original that it turns out to be extremely difficult to describe. So, let yourself be intrigued and swept away by this journey of self-discovery, without overanalysing the wide array of sounds and styles coming your way. Just ride it like a wave, an emotional rollercoaster that will eventually put both of your feet back on the ground where they belong.

    Written by Jana De Boeck

    Tracklist

    1. The Edge
    2. The Pump
    3. Mr Pan
    4. Naked Politics
    5. Flesh World
    6. Meat Star
    7. Spanker
    8. Vogue
    9. Womb Of Wire
    10. A Foe

    Lineup

    Rider G Omega – Guitars, Vocals
    Ojete Mordaza II – Drums, Beats
    Om Rex Orale – Bass
    Viral Vector Lips – Guitars
    Jade Riot Cul – Synths, Vocals

    Label

    Season of Mist

    Links

    www.obsidiankingdom.com
    www.facebook.com/obsidiankingdom
    www.instagram.com/obsidiankingdom

    Recent posts

    GALLERY: 9.5.2022 Oceanhoarse & Soen @ Tavastia, Helsinki
    • FEATURED
    • GALLERY

    GALLERY: 9.5.2022 Oceanhoarse & Soen @ Tavastia, Helsinki

    By Laureline Tilkin  / May 19, 2022
    Raven Management recently brought Soen back to Tavastia, with Oceanhoarse as supports. Check out the full gallery here...
    Read More
    REVIEW: Evergrey – A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)
    • ALBUM REVIEW

    REVIEW: Evergrey – A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)

    By Andrea C.  / May 19, 2022
    Darkness abounds on Evergrey's thirteenth studio album “A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament),” but there's also light and hope to be found. Read our review to find out more about the album, which drops on May 20 via Napalm Records.
    Read More
    (2012) Sonata Arctica – Stones Grow Her Name: Anniversary Special
    • CLASSIC ALBUMS

    (2012) Sonata Arctica – Stones Grow Her Name: Anniversary Special

    By Bear W.  / May 18, 2022
    Today's 10th anniversary special is dedicated to exploring "Stones Grow Her Name" by Sonata Arctica, to decide if the album was a strong addition to the band's discography, or a bit of a disappointment. Read the verdict here...
    Read More
    GALLERY: 29.04.2022 One Morning Left, Blind Channel, & Electric Callboy @ Hype Park, Krakow
    • FEATURED
    • GALLERY

    GALLERY: 29.04.2022 One Morning Left, Blind Channel, & Electric Callboy @ Hype Park, Krakow

    By Alexandra A.  / May 18, 2022
    Electric Callboy hit up Hype Park in Krakow with Blind Channel and One Morning Left on April 29th. Check out the gallery here...
    Read More
    11.5.2022 Game Music Collective: Restart @ Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki
    • FEATURED
    • LIVE REPORT

    11.5.2022 Game Music Collective: Restart @ Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki

    By Bear W.  / May 16, 2022
    The Game Music Collective are back at last, playing a set at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki on May 11th, 2022. Check out the live report here...
    Read More
    Where’s My Bible’s circle is complete – New EP and music video released on Friday
    • NEWS

    Where’s My Bible’s circle is complete – New EP and music video released on Friday

    By Bear W.  / May 14, 2022
    Where's My Bible released the final instalment of their "Circle" EP yesterday, via Inverse Records. Learn more here...
    Read More
    Charlotte Wessels Presents Cinematic Music Video for “Afkicken”
    • NEWS

    Charlotte Wessels Presents Cinematic Music Video for “Afkicken”

    By Andrea C.  / May 13, 2022
    Charlotte Wessels presents cinematic music video for "Afkicken." Watch the video here...
    Read More
    (2002) Sentenced – The Cold White Light: Anniversary Special
    • CLASSIC ALBUMS

    (2002) Sentenced – The Cold White Light: Anniversary Special

    By Licia Mapelli  / May 13, 2022
    Sentence released one of their most beloved albums on May 13th, 2002. Today, we look back on "The Cold White Light" for its 20th anniversary for this classic album review...
    Read More
    FEUERSCHWANZ Release Video for Very Personal Song “Das Herz eines Drachen”
    • NEWS

    FEUERSCHWANZ Release Video for Very Personal Song “Das Herz eines Drachen”

    By Andrea C.  / May 12, 2022
    FEUERSCHWANZ release video for very personal song, “Das Herz eines Drachen.” Watch the music video here...
    Read More
    Symphonic Metal Force VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Release Third Single “Master The Hurricane” + Music Video
    • NEWS

    Symphonic Metal Force VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Release Third Single “Master The Hurricane” + Music Video

    By Andrea C.  / May 12, 2022
    Symphonic metal force VISIONS OF ATLANTIS release third single “Master The Hurricane.” Watch the music video here...
    Read More

    Related posts

    • TAGS
    • a year with no summer
    • album review
    • deftones
    • experimental
    • experimental metal
    • meat machine
    • OBSIDIAN KINGDOM
    • post metal
    • progressive metal
    • review
    • season of mist
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Pinterest
    WhatsApp
    ReddIt
      Previous articleTrue Cult Club release new single “Take Off.”
      Next articleInterview with myGRAIN — “We were forced to evolve.”
      Jana DB

      RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Evergrey – A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Halestorm – Back from the Dead

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Lord of the Lost – EP: The Heartbeat of the Devil

      LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

      Log in to leave a comment

      NEWSLETTER

      Don't wanna miss a thing? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

      Thank you!

      You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

      .
      Facebook
      Instagram
      Spotify
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Reviews

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Evergrey – A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament)

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Halestorm – Back from the Dead

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Lord of the Lost – EP: The Heartbeat of the Devil

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Visions of Atlantis – Pirates

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Poets of the Fall – Ghostlight

      Popular

      ALBUM REVIEW

      REVIEW: Dream Theater – A View From The Top Of The World

      LIVE REPORT

      27.8.2016 Amorphis: An Evening with Friends @ Huvila-teltta (Helsingin Juhlaviikot), Helsinki (Musicalypse Archive)

      FEATURED

      17.9.2017 Ayreon Universe @ Poppodium 013, Tilburg (Musicalypse Archive)

      BLOG

      PRELISTENING: Meshuggah – Immutable

      LIVE REPORT

      22-24.7.2016 John Smith Festival @ Peurunka, Laukaa (Musicalypse Archive)

      Editor's choice

      FEATURED

      GALLERY: 9.5.2022 Oceanhoarse & Soen @ Tavastia, Helsinki

      FEATURED

      GALLERY: 29.04.2022 One Morning Left, Blind Channel, & Electric Callboy @ Hype Park, Krakow

      FEATURED

      11.5.2022 Game Music Collective: Restart @ Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki

      FEATURED

      GALLERY: 4.5.2022 Detset & Bloodred Hourglass @ On The Rocks, Helsinki

      FEATURED

      Interview with Mercury Circle — “Just put the helmet on and you can dream about everyone in your life and your dreams become alive.”

      © 2021 Tuonela Magazine. All rights reserved.