BYZANTINE — Oblivion Beckons (review)

BYZANTINE — Oblivion Beckons album cover Album · 2008 · Groove Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
arcane-beautiful
I think I seemed interested in this band, whenever I heard the phrase “jazz metal” used to describe them. Now, these guys aren’t exactly trumpet based metal, but usually jazz metal is usually describing bands that use frequent polyrhythms, odd time signatures and, well groove metal basically.

If you’re a fan of Meshuggah, you’d definitely like these guys, but these guys have something that Meshuggah don’t…SONGS!

Now, Meshuggah can make a good em…thingy, but these guys take that technically rhythm aspect and apply to it actual song structures, yet keeping a strong progressive stance.

This album gets better after every time I listen to it, and considering that I gave it 2 stars on my second listen, it really shows potential. These guys are also very unique, I really haven’t heard their style being pulled off so well.

These guys sadly broke up after this album, but apparently they reformed, but if there is a new album, we don’t know yet, but I know that if there is one, it should be another amazing release.

1. Absolute Horizon – Amazing opener. Dark, twisted and a great song. Great lyrics. 10/10

2. Nadir – Great vocals. More atheistic lyrics. Great arrangement. 9/10

3. Oblivion Beckons – Wasn’t expecting this. Amazing chorus. I also love that the polyrhythms are played to a high musical degree, yet being listenable. One of the best songs I have heard in ages. 10/10

4. The Gift Of Discernment – Pretty kick ass. Break down is pretty epic. Great arrangement. Beautiful ending. 9/10

5. Expansion & Collapse – Epic intro. Very impressive vocals. The middle section is amazing. 10/10

6. Catalyst – Another amazing vocal performance. Pretty cool chorus. 9/10

7. Pattern Recognition – Built upon a thrashy groove. Nice arrangement. 9/10

8. Renovatio – Beautiful instrumental interlude. 10/10

9. Centurion – Great vocals. Pretty cool chorus. 9/10

10. Receiving End Of Murder – Great use of vocals. Pretty kick ass chorus. 10/10

11. All Hail The End Times – Cool intro. Great chorus. Great black metal like sections. 10/10

12. Deep End Of Nothing – Cool intro. Great arrangement and riffs. Cool solo section. 9/10

13. A Residual Haunting – Cool thrashy song. Quite dramatic at times. 9/10

CONCLUSION: An album full of amazing songs…what more could you want. Well money and servants wouldn’t be too bad.
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