Obtained Enslavement - Witchcraft LP Review

Add Your Review

2002-08-29 : Ostonegu
Obtained Enslavement deliver symphonic black metal absolutely overflowing with layers of keyboards, strings, woodwinds, timpani-the list goes on. Wait, hang on- Before you retreat to the "D" for "Darkthrone" page in disgust, hear me out. Rest assured, this sounds nothing like Cradle of Fools or Dummy Burger. Granted, the keyboards are a constant presence, but the manner in which this music comes together obliterates any gothic cheese elements in a black metal tornado of a blurred northern style. Guitars, drums, keys, and all the other instruments all swirl and charge together the way you want them to. Imagine "In The Nightside Eclipse" with Bach's fetid, bloated corpse weaving waltzing baroque spirals into the satanic hellstorm. I know, it sounds retarded, but trust me: it works. The vocals are harsh, raspy, and the only elements that occupy their own space in this evil blender. If you can't deal with harpsichord runs and the occasional oboe solo, this disc will make you wince, but if you want to know what Emperor would sound like if they had fleshed out their early, harsher sound with more symphonic elements (instead of trying to be Opeth [yech!]), then check out this unique album.