Irish progressive death metallers Mirrors of Obsidian show off the technical side of death metal in a 45-minute collective that both impresses and delights this jaded writer of all things metal. In Imminent Chaos Complete the Jeff Loomis-like riffs really showcase this band that carries on its shoulders the weight of at least four different genres, and can do so deservedly.

Mastered by the legendary Dan Swano, this little self-issued album is sure to generate a buzz around it if for nothing more than its competency and resounding ability to shift gears in style so easily without appearing disheveled and haphazard. Spanning the spectrum from death to thrash, to technical to groove metal, this is a band that seemingly has it all and can do it all. Fans of Nevermore might really find the guitar work here of particular interest. The vocals are a balance between clean-tone and harsh screams, but this in no way, shape or form implies it is a ridiculous mallcore effort! What is present here is a wondrous foray into the diversity in an album we all look for but rarely come across. It’s usually achieved by total accident, and that’s what is happening here. “Codes of Silence” is about as deathly prog as it can get without bending the perimeter beyond repair. The myriad of musical devices shape-shift almost too easily throughout the album, but it’s so comfortable a listen that I ignore the prospect of it being so nearly perfect. “In Dissonance We Breath” is one of the better jams I’ve had in some time, initiating some hardcore air drumming. Every single track on here has to be heard in their entirety to really be understood. 

Vocally the singer reminds me a bit of Matt Barlow’s performance on Iced Earth’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, and one listen to the aforementioned track will definitely point to this. The title track, however, is about as close to Warrel Dane as it can get without totally giving way to that haunting style. All comparisons aside, Mirrors of Obsidian is one of the bands to keep an eye on in the coming months. The sharp production and attention to bass tone and guitar mix is what sets this album high in my opinion; there isn’t a driving need to bury any on instrument or sound and the music is allowed to freely carry itself in even measures rather than fight for supremacy in the listener’s ears. The devastating shredding coupled with the impeccable drumming complete the overall sound so nicely, even though it’s come to my attention the band is currently seeking a new bassist and drummer. Hopefully these guys find the right fit for the music because the formula they have is quite brilliant and should verge on unstoppable at this point.

Technically, the band fires on cylinders to a near-epic degree; vocally and musically they cross all borders and find all niches with the genuine ease of putting on socks. This is a terrific band that produced a completely resonating collective that I can highly recommend to anyone that enjoys his or her metal with all the technicality and progression expected by and talented enough to warrant such accolades.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Slaves to Numbers
2.  Celestial Fusion
3.  Exist By Program
4.  Codes of Silence
5.  In Dissonance We Breath
6.  Hive Mind
7.  Deceptive Technology
8.  Imminent Chaos Complete

Total playing time:  45:17

Mirrors of Obsidian - Imminent Chaos Complete

Release Date: May 10, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

Reviewer: Chris

September 29, 2011