OBTAINED ENSLAVEMENT - Soulblight LP (Clear/White/Silver Splatter Vinyl)
The 1998 Norwegian Black Metal classic ‘Soulblight’ re-issued!
Shipping in the first week of November on SPLATTER vinyl, limited to 100 copies,
“Soulblight” is a worthy contender for one of the best Black Metal albums of the 90’s!
1997’s “Witchcraft” was a challenging album to follow up with its cult status as one of the greatest Black Metal releases owing to its complex compositions and intricate
orchestration.
Yet Obtained Enslavement did exactly that, as “Soulblight” is a very different release but it maintained the quality and musicianship the band made themselves known for with “Witchcraft”.
This release discards the openness and mystique of the orchestral arrangements in place of a more guitar and drum-oriented sound, but this works for the much darker and aggressive tone of “Soulblight”.
Speaking of instrumental work, the iconic and untouchable classically influenced composition (it would be insulting to call it songwriting) of guitarists ‘Heks’ and ‘Døden’, with its weaving and developed melodies to the complex chord sequences and intricate structures, is still an aspect that is so unique to this band; the composers truly have a great understanding of music in its high-art form.
Pest’s vocals are consistent and hair-raising, nothing about it sounds human and this
works in favour of this otherworldly suite.
Pytten has once again cemented himself as one of the greats in the Black Metal world and even just knowing this album was recorded in the infamous Grieghallen, adds to its
grandeur and appeal. To conclude, “Soulblight” is a worthy contender for one of the best Black Metal albums of the 90’s.
• One of Norwegian Black Metal’s ultimate albums
• Recorded at Grieghallen Studio by Pytten (a.o. Emperor, Immortal, Burzum, Mayhem, Gorgoroth)
• Cover art painting “Saul and the Witch of Endor” (1668) by Salvator Rosa (1615-1673)
• Vocals by the legendary Pest (Gorgoroth)
For fans of: Emperor, Abigor, Gorgoroth, Dimmu Borgir, Limbonic Art