Requiem For Oblivion - Requiem For Oblivion (2009)

As you first listen to track number one on this self titled release, you expect some good old Progressive Metal, but as the album progresses you are headed for an acid trip similar to something out of a David Lynch movie.

The band's style is a very peculiar mix of Progressive Metal and some Ambient elements, as well as some weird vocals. The band self claims to be heavily influenced by Rush, Dream Theater, Katatonia among others, and that is not completely far out.

As I mention the vocals in my opinion are not up to the standard set by the rest of the music, they are very weak attempts at growls or shrieks (who knows!). However this is not enough reason to completely discard this band, since the music is pure genius.

Requiem For Oblivion transitions within musical genres in seconds and the whole song takes a new dimension, this happens most songs of this EP. And this is the biggest reason I like this band, it's unpredictable, but it never decreases in quality. If they could just find a better singer they would be way better.

The Progressive elements in the music are the main structure behind this band's sound and they are very well crafted and executed, they never sound like a direct rip-off of any band, something very rare in all the progressive outfits these days that are trying to copy DT or any other band.

You can clearly find some intriguing musical compositions in these few songs, and the layering of elements is very creative and interesting. I see great promise in this band if they work more at polishing their sound a bit better; also a change in vocals is greatly needed to improve the overall quality of the band.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, but still melodic and well crafted, give Requiem For Oblivion a try. Hopefully this band keeps up the good work, adds a new vocalist and comes back with another ass-kicking release.

Release: October 31st, 2009

Country: USA