THE BEAST

Oblivion Throne - Voidgazer EP - Reviewed By 195metalcds ! Check it out here at this link: https://www.195metalcds.com/2023/03/20/oblivion-throne-voidgazer-ep-2023/

Voidgazer is the second release from mountain-dwelling, speed metal marauders Oblivion Throne from Asheville, North Carolina (USA). Their unique brand of speed metal draws on a myriad of influences from Saxon to Candlemass to Death and Darkthrone.

Oblivion Throne gazing into the void
The EP opens with the majestically epic “Honorable death (Intro)” (track 1) which is a melancholic funereal march with more than a nod to metal pioneers Celtic Frost. This morphs into the galloping “Lust for steel” (track 2) which has all the energy of a NWOBHM Saxon classic. The song little too much reverb for my liking, making it sound like it was recorded in the London Underground, but I expect it was the vibe they were going for.

“Voidgazer” (track 3) opens with some godawful screech before bursting into a raucous and franticly twisted riff. Again, the production is consistent with the previous track but it loses something of the impact of the song when the guitars are much further forward in the mix. With a better mix, this could be so much more.

“Souls ensnared” (track 4) rounds out the EP with a fast picked number accompanied by an 80s-style riff and barked vocals. The inclusion of chorus vocals (or is it just that pesky reverb whacked up full tilt?) takes the song to new places as does the closing solo which builds emotion. Along with the opening track, this is my favourite song on the release.

Conclusion
With better production, I’m sure this could be a more powerful statement. But as it is, the playing is stellar and the song writing solid even if there isn’t much in terms of new ideas. But hey! who needs new ideas when the songs are as fun as these.

Review score: 65% 195metalcds

Release Date: January 25. 2023

FFO: Bathory, Voivod, Celtic Frost

Location: Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Short Bio: Mountain-dwelling speed metal marauders OBLIVION THRONE formed in the Winter of 2021 after discussing the desire to throw genre tags out the window, drawing influence from Saxon, to Candlemass, to Death, to Darkthrone.  This power trio already boasts a wealth of material, having played gigs with bands such as Nunslaughter, Night Demon, Ectovoid, The Black Moriah and plenty more. With the release of their new EP, ‘VOIDGAZER’, Oblivion Throne seeks to plant their flag in the ground and establish their sound, and set their sights for expansion. 

Support the band on Bandcamp!

Follow the band here at these links:

https://www.instagram.com/oblivion_throne/
https://twitter.com/Oblivion_Throne
https://www.facebook.com/oblivionthrone/
https://oblivionthrone.bandcamp.com/album/voidgazer
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7DdzU6kSLXVY2HxgrJIqJL