Review by Xephyr for Reticent, The - The Oubliette (2020)

Let Me Out

The Oubliette may go down in history as my highest regarded album that I don't have the will to listen to ever again. Even as someone who hasn't had to cope with any of their loved ones having dementia or anything like it, this album hit me extremely hard. If anything, that proves just how well The Reticent wrote and performed this concept of following the mental struggles of someone at the edge of their mental stability and overall life. It was a bit odd sounding at first to have the dementia be portrayed through Progressive Metal, with it tending to have a few too many unexpected twists and turns here and there, but after a while the themes really started to fall into place as the album progressed. The Oubliette doesn't shy away from the sheer amount of fear and despair that this condition can cause, leaving one trapped and screaming inside of their own mind, heard horrifically at the end of "Stage 6". So, in many ways, The Reticent were undeniably successful in creating a substantial and worthwhile look into something that a lot of families struggle with. But, in doing so, the experience they crafted doesn't give a lot of room for replay value, especially when you have a vivid imagination like me. I let myself get completely enveloped by the lyrics and story and it got me good; so good that I don't think I have it in me to come back, so take that as you will.