To put it simply, Gorguts' third album "Obscura" is not what most call a normal metal record. Although still recognizably metal in sound, with blast beats, heavily distorted guitar tones and tortured vocals and lyrics Gorguts utilizes many techniques usually not seem in the genre, borrowing from records like Miles Davis' Bitches Brew or late works of John Coltrane; Gorguts manages to create a dense, heavy, thick and depressing atmosphere. The Guitar and bass harmonies are incredibly discordant, guitar leads wail and shriek over top ever changing, schizophrenic drum patterns, coupled with deranged vocals makes for an incredibly frightening and depressing listen.
Upon first listen the music will probably sound like an unorganized mess of technicality and dissonance but with further listening the listener will grow to understand the brilliance in all the chaos. The songs never get lost in themselves always there is just a hint of humanity present to engage the audience, when the tempos increase (like in Earthly Love) each note can still be heard avoiding just a mess of sound. When the tempo decreases like in the song Clouded (which crawls along at an agonizingly slow pace) the audience does not simply get bored, there is enough going on in the music to keep one interested throughout. In addition the use of unconventional instruments and techniques such as the viola in Earthly Love and the a-tonal lead guitar delivered with guitar tapping in the title track add to the music and keeps things interesting.
Although the album still does have its flaws, there is little variety to be heard here. Once one becomes accustom to the dissonance and pain in the tracks. There is little else to be found the result is an album that can occasionally drag. But despite this minor setback and how off-putting the album may be at first listen. In many listens the listener will come to see music with great scope and originality.
Best Tracks: Obscura, Clouded.
