More Indiana metal men
First grilling listeners ears with their sound in 2016, Obscene previously released music under the name Blood Chasm before a change in 2017. Their first album, Inhabitable Dark, was released in 2020, followed by their second release, From Dead Horizon To Dead Horizon, in 2022.
Sticking with the two-year gap between releases, July 2024 sees the American four-piece bring us another jolly-titled album. Their third studio release, Agony & Wounds comes shortly after signing a new deal with Nameless Grave Records.
As we know, metal albums often boast some of the most captivating artwork in the industry. Before we delve into the music, it’s worth noting that Agony & Wounds continues this tradition. Brad Moore’s creative genius has produced an album cover that can only be described as a hauntingly familiar post-apocalyptic skeleton dread underworld image.
A picture one could see inked across the back of a loyal fan.
When listening to Agony & Wounds alongside previous Obscene releases, it is clear the band can pack a punch as hard as the rest. Providing the upbeat tempo we associate with the metal genre, vocalist Kyle Shaw doesn’t take long to assert himself on the record. Blistering blast beats and low-pitched grunts confirm listeners are in for the sound they expected.
Opening the record, “The Cleveland Panopticon” stomps one bang in the face, most likely with a pair of Doc Martins. Guitarist Mike Morgan could break the Guinness world record for the fastest riff played, and drummer Brandon Howe follows suit with the sticks.
Continuing into “Watch Me When I Kill,” the Indiana boys show no signs of slowing down. It’s a two-minute track grabbing listeners by the scruff of the neck and only letting go if asked very nicely.
A common theme throughout the record is that most tracks are roughly three minutes long, with a few numbers even shorter. This showcases a respectable trait of Obscene, a no-BS policy. If a track doesn’t need to be dragged out for over four minutes, it won’t be.
“Breathe The Decay” opens with the spoken word before transitioning into a hailstorm of double pedal drumming and high-pitched whammy bar guitar. It’s hard to agree which is better. Both guitar and drums will prompt listeners to restart the track to get another taste of the opening 15 seconds.
It’s easy to feel sorry for the crash cymbals in this one. They take a battering.
“Written in Blood and Covered in Flies” is another standout track that demonstrates each member’s individual quality. The song features a powerful, ripping guitar solo, intense drumming, fast bass and captivating vocals, treating listeners to the band’s impressive musical talent.
Agony & Wounds was written to keep the listener alert and entertained through short, stabby material that runs no longer than necessary. An argument could be made that the instrumentals would have more time to flourish if the album duration was increased. However, when listening, Obscene can showcase their musical ability within three minutes or less.
As a result, Shaw and Howe bounce off each other, demonstrating vocal capabilities and manic blast drumming, not to mention the impressive string work from Morgan and bassist Roy Hayes as they keep up with the chaos.
Despite what the album title may suggest, Agony & Wounds will not hurt you. It is a pleasurable listen from start to finish, and the tempo at which this four-piece can consistently play is groundbreaking alone.
Indiana is a metal haven, and Obscene are helping to maintain its reputation.
Another banger in the books. Agony & Wounds.
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