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Review: Obsequiae - The Palms of Sorrowed Kings
Obsequiae
The Palms of Sorrowed Kings

Label: 20 Buck Spin
Year released: 2019
Duration: 49:32
Tracks: 12
Genre: Black Metal

Rating:
4.25/5


Review online: December 2, 2019
Reviewed by: Sargon the Terrible
Readers' Rating
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Rated 4/5 (80%) (9 Votes)
Review

Third album for this unique band, who on their last album seemed to distill what was individual about their sound and proceeded to just go nuts with it. Playing heavily medieval melodies with a lot of harmonizing and counterpoint, nobody else really sounds like Obsequiae. I was concerned they would start to stagnate, as their particular vibe is fairly limited, but they have pushed hard to keep that from happening and mostly succeeded.

Having added a genuine harp player to their lineup last time, they continue to make good use of him for the moodier, acoustic instrumental interludes. It says something that the guitar melodies and harp melodies fit together and don't clash at all. The instrumental work remains inventive, interesting, and atmospheric. Again, I find the vocals to be the weak spot, as the screeches are just flat and lack any kind of texture or interest. At this point they are simply a distraction from the music. I imagine what this band could produce if they could integrate their sound with polyphonic, medieval-styled singing like Anonymous 4 and I really think they are missing the mark there. Still, if you have enjoyed this band's past works, then you won't want to miss this one.

More about Obsequiae...
Review: Aria of Vernal Tombs (reviewed by Luxi Lahtinen)
Review: Aria of Vernal Tombs (reviewed by Sargon the Terrible)
Review: The Palms of Sorrowed Kings (reviewed by MetalMike)
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