Obliveon - From This Day Forward (1990)^{Release ID: 10654}

Canada goes down as being on country that in terms of metal often produces some experimental whilst at the same time very entertaining bands (Gorguts for example).  Obliveon fitted this billing perfectly with their technical death/thrash full of bass heavy pickings and aggressively melodic passages the band were like a very dumbed down version of Voivod or an even more catchy version of Coroner.  Adding into the mix their penchant for the more progressive leanings of Death and Atheist the band had a range and depth most still lack unfortunately.

The band's history is littered with hiatus' and comebacks and although they remain active to this day they haven't recorded anything since 1999.  Their debut was a very consistent if not altogether too flamboyant affair that just stuck to the very basics of what they did very well.  Their "basics" was inclusive of some very clever musicianship though and some talented song writing to boot.  Clocking in at just shy of forty minutes, From This Day Forward proceeds with an almost cosmic edge to proceedings that belies the artwork of the record superbly.  It isn't Vektor proportions of outer space worship by any means, this is more of a subtle exploration of the cosmos but there is still a strong sense of otherworldly shenanigans beyond the school workbook style album artwork.

Vocally we have that familiar grim tone that menaces the listener, layered over the top of the rumbling bass and varied riffage of the twin guitars.  The drumming here feels very light touch, not lost or under represented in the mix, just a healthy amount of space has been given to let all the parts breathe appropriately.  The album feels cohesive as a result like all the parts are working in unison.  Even when given opportunity to shine, the leads don't get flashy or showy and still supported superbly by the rest of the instruments.

It isn't an album I will listen to everyday or every week for that matter but will be one that with the occasional spin is sure to bring a nod of appreciation.