OBLOMOV — Mighty Cosmic Dances (review)

OBLOMOV — Mighty Cosmic Dances album cover Album · 2005 · Melodic Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
1.5/5 ·
Vim Fuego
MMA Reviewer's Challenge: September 2016

Oblomov was an unusual character. Created by Russian author Ivan Goncharov in the 1859 novel of the same name, Oblomov was the quintessential superfluous man and lived a life of decadent, indecisive uselessness. Czech black metal band Oblomov is a lot like their namesake, producing superfluous black metal, but without the literary character’s memorable futility. “Mighty Cosmic Dances” is a different sort of futility, one which is ultimately forgettable.

The big problem with “Mighty Cosmic Dances” is it is too safe, too risk-averse, too middle-of-the-road, and ultimately, is pointless.

“Mighty Cosmic Dances” opens with a cut-price Jean Michel Jarre ambient intro, which really doesn’t seem to gel with the bog standard black metal which follows.

OK, bog standard may seem harsh, but listen closely to what is presented here. There’s the raspy vocals, which don’t descend into over-dramatic operatic screams. There’s distinct riffs, and not just formless buzzing guitars. There’s the obligatory blasts. There’s a bit of bass and at least some effort put into production and engineering values. Unfortunately, it’s all just a bit boring. This is really nothing the likes of Marduk hasn’t done before, except Marduk did it better and earlier.

The only redeeming feature of this album is the solos. Instead of completely eschewing solos, or resorting to breakneck, formless squealing guitar as many black metal bands do, these actually fit to the music and suit the songs. But the songs themselves are a problem. Would Trey Azagthoth be so highly regarded as a guitarist if Morbid Angel’s songs were mediocre? Or Angus Young in AC/DC? Oblomov’s songs are the problem. They are all just too much the same.

The crappy 1970s synths come back to close out the album, and sadly, are a relief from the repetitive tedium.

The final result is something slightly lesser than the sum of its parts. It’s not vicious enough to be truly harrowing, and not melodic enough to drill into your subconscious like an earworm. It’s competent, but not impressive. This is a stock-standard music collection filler.
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aglasshouse wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I'm glad it's not vicious because when black metal gets vicious it usually gets campy.
TheHeavyMetalCat wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Agreed with most of what you wrote, though I would rate it slighty higher. Maybe I'm just generious though, as I don't see myself listening to it again.
DippoMagoo wrote:
more than 2 years ago
This was an entertaining review, as usual. I won't say yet if I agree or not: You'll have to wait until early on the 24th for that.

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