Cruciamentum – Obsidian Refractions (Review)

This is the second album from international death metallers Cruciamentum.

Featuring current/ex-members of Vacivus and Perdition Temple, Cruciamentum play old-school death metal that fans of acts such as Incantation, Corpsessed, Ritual Necromancy, Fossilization, and Immolation should check out.

Obsidian Reflections is a 41-minute album that contains six death metal landscapes to explore. With a base of ancient morbid death metal, a grim dose of cavernous doom, and a touch of contemporary progressive skill and finesse, this is an accomplished album that has much to offer fans of the style.

Cruciamentum go about their work with passion and can clearly write a good death metal tune. There’s fiery aggression, there’s esoteric melody, there’s macabre atmosphere, and there’s well-structured songcraft; Obsidian Reflections is thorough in the bases that it touches throughout its running time.

A satisfying meaty feast of punishing drums, killer riffs, and molten solos, Cruciamentum know how to play. Balancing technical skill with atmospheric depth, progressive enrichments, and pure death metal fury, this is a rewarding experience to endure. Vocally we are assaulted by harsh growls that roar and scream through the songs like grotesque leviathans. It all hits the spot.

Honestly, there are so many highlights on Obsidian Reflections. Cruciamentum’s carefully blended brand of mood, hostility, and melody is infectious and extremely engaging. You won’t want to miss out on this, that’s for sure.