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Nuclear Blast Records [Release date 10.05.19]
If you were told to imagine how a Possessed album would sound given the circumstances, no matter how vivid of imagination one may have, there is now way that this outcome could have been anticipated after such a long period of break time . Yes, Possessed is back and in way that no one could have even suspected or predicted in the slightest.
Beccera being the only original member left, has not only mastered the strength and courage to overcome life’s unfortunate events but has assembled a team of musicians (Daniel Gonzalez guitars and songwriting, Claudeous Creamer guitars, Robert Cardenas on bass and Emilio Marquez on drums) who absolutely created a record that rips so hard that one must listen to believe. Actually, these guys seem to be more like old members than newcomers.
One of the most astounding phenomenas of the the album is the vocals and the overall singing performance. Voice is preserved almost perfectly showing little to no sign of attrition and the singing whether be it at verses or the choruses establishes the appropriate horrific dynamics and the hellish foundation for the other instruments to play their wicked parts. An important role played out so well which grabs the attention of the listener straight away indicating that something really good is at work here. Guttural free as always this is beloved 80’s old school thrash/death singing.
The record goes on to impress almost immediately with a vast array of demonical and malicious riffs so well crafted and seamlessly woven together and so into the spirit and essence of the Possessed sound that after the creepy intro massacre is not only secured but unavoidable.
Tons of thrash riffage everywhere, ranging from (mostly) rabid fast picking speeds to mid paced demolishers supplemented by lead guitars with either the trademark Possessed morbid melodies or insane solo’s, the attention of detail to the guitar work is astonishing. There is not a riff wasted and there is not a single phrase or horrid melody that feels out of place and not in line with the Possessed sound.
The way the albums is played out is basically reminiscent of the late 80’s from the guitar tone and type of thrash riffing all the way to how the songs are arranged but what’s important though is that the music feels instantly familiar.
The voice, the guitars, the relentless drumming, everything is Possessed literally and metaphorically speaking. The production of the album is also carefully balanced and arranged as to contribute as much as possible in creating that specific atmosphere eminating from Possessed, sounding at the same time both fresh and old school. So yes Possessed have managed to somehow conjure up material that once again makes everyone take notice of.
As far as I can remember this is practically one of the most successful comeback records (along with Xentrix) when it comes to staying true to the original sound combined with quality material. And mind you, this is not just for the old school minded.
Simply if you want your ass kicked then you just need this record. Whether you are into thrash metal (actually there is more thrash than death here) or death metal or just a metalhead who likes things taken up a notch in terms of brutality it doesn’t really matter because if you want to rage then this is for you.
Despite of a lot of strong competition this year “Revelations of Oblivion” is haunting the number one spot for album of the year. Brilliant! ****1/2
Review by Kiriakos Lightbringer
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