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Mastermind Obsidian C. is back with Keep of Kalessin's fourth full length, Kolossus. This is their debut on the very well known label, Nuclear Blast.

This time, the band is offering a double disc package. One is the actual CD, while the other is a DVD. The DVD shows the making of, a live performance, some behind the scenes footage (the guys goofing off), and a Kolossus teaser. I personally enjoyed the in studio making of part and the interviews the most. No one needs to be in a band to appreciate this work, but if you happen to be a musician, you can only realize the musicianship of these guys. If you are a guitar player, man are you in for a real treat! The classical training of Obsidian C. is obvious, and all the efforts are paying back. Not only does he present great classical and acoustic delicacies, but his distorted/crushing electric playing is nothing short of outstanding. Not in a pompous Malmsteen or speedy Pettrucci way, thanks Satan! This is not a "guitar hero" album either, so the other musicians on crew are just as excellent, like the great drummer, Vyl. The vocals are a bit too thrashy/core for my own taste, but at least they remain discrete most of the time. On Kolossus, one can hear a great epic piece of Black Metal. Some keyboards are used to enhance the atmosphere, much to my liking. Amongst the excellent track listing are found these favorite numbers of mine: "Origin", "The Mark of Power", "Kolossus" and "Escape the Union".