Obsequiae was originally known as Autumnal Winds and had changed its name to Obsequiae in 2007 after a hiatus under its original moniker.  The duo, consisting of Neidhart van Reuental and Blondel de Nesle, is based out of Minnesota and as you would imagine, play a dark style of metal that pays homage to its home.  Their debut under the Obsequiae name was released recently in Suspended in the Brume of Eos, and is a solid album that should fit in alongside the likes of Celestiial and Wodensthrone.

From the opening track “Altars of Moss,” it is clear that Obsequiae wants to make a strong first impression on the listener.  On Suspended in the Brume of Eos, Obsequiae’s style of music is a melodic form of black metal that throws in some acoustic interludes in between songs.  At times, it can channel the violence in which a blizzard can create, as evidenced on “Arrows,” while at other points, it can be calm, as “Estas Redit” and “Sidhe” prove with its acoustic abilities.  The alternating styles that Obsequiae uses are done in a manner that allows the flow of the album to be smooth and without many problems.  The production values are clean, which allow for the individual notes on the lead guitar to be heard in the heavier songs, particularly on the closing track “Cabin Lights.”  The vocals are fairly standard black metal fare, which isn’t too bad, since the music carries the load on the album.  One of the more surprising aspects of Suspended in the Brume of Eos is that it’s relatively easy to understand as soon as the second listen, which is unusual in the sense that many of the bands on the Bindrune Recordings label take longer, more involved listens before the listener can grasp what is going on.  One complaint of the album is that at just under 42 minutes, Obsequiae leaves the listener wanting more, as it feels way too short, but that’s more just trying to find things to complain about the album than something that would actually affect the listening experience.

Like many bands on Bindrune Recordings, Obsequiae turn music into their own way of making aural elements that tend to stick with the listener for a long time.  Their debut Suspended in the Brume of Eos is compact in the sense of time, but makes up for it with its ability to combine harsh and acoustic elements into an album full of interwoven elements.  This album may end up being a top ten contender on most lists.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Altars of Moss
2.  Sidhe
3.  In the White Fields
4.  Suspended in the Brume of Eos
5.  Wildes Heer
6.  The Wounded Fox
7.  Atonement
8.  Estas Redit
9.  Arrows
10.  The Starlit Shore
11.  Boreas
12.  Cabin Lights

Total playing time:  41:39

Release Date: August 4, 2011
Label: Bindrune Recordings

Obsequiae - Suspended in the Brume of Eos

Reviewer: Peter

August 22, 2011