Review by Saxy S for Ne Obliviscaris - Exul (2023)

...I was nervous for this one.

I've made it clear that Ne Obliviscaris are one of extreme metal's most interesting and unique bands in the past, and I still think that Portal of I is one of heavy metal's most important records of the 2010s. In a year where Opeth drastically changed direction and started composing in a style closer to Rush progressive rock, Ne Obliviscaris took the elegance of Opeth-ian songwriting combined it with Allegaeon technical death metal, while the inclusion of dual vocals and violin melodic leads were the icing on the cake. However, my fascination with this group soured on 2017's Urn. While objectively a good album, I could not help but feel like this band had found their comfort zone and would stay here instead of continuously innovate; instead opting for a same-y progressive metal sound that progressive snobs would eat up on name recognition alone.

Turns out the band felt the same way. Instead of maintaining a two/three year release schedule, Ne Obliviscaris took some time off to work on this album and revitalized my anticipation with the promotion single "Equus". Now I have had the chance to sit and resonate with Exul and I am reminded once again why this band are near the top of so many lists that speak about modern progressive metal. It might not be the most outwardly progressive album, but beneath the new songwriting layers, Exul might be among Ne Obliviscaris' best.

If you've listened to Ne Obliviscaris in the past, then you kind of know what to expect. Otherwise; imagine if 2000's Opeth were heavier, but with violin melodic leads. While previous Ne Obliviscaris albums have always had a focus towards black metal, this time around the subgenre seems to be the other extreme metal giant; death metal. You can hear immediately on the opener "Equus" and into "Miseriorde I - As the Flesh Falls" through heavier blast beat emphasis and chugging guitar rffage. The buildup of "Misericorde II - Anatomy of Quiescence" is phenomenal with its attention to detail and allowing the tune to gradually build up to its cathartic release. The layering of the strings through layering is a decision that raised questions at first, but they fill out many of the arrangements during softer sections sans guitar. Like with all albums from this group, the heavy prominence of bass is well received and causes its heavier moments to hit with greater importance instead of just doubling the rhythm guitar with bass. And the dual vocals of Xeonyr and Tim Charles is one of the best chemistries in all of heavy metal music.

To be honest, it is quite difficult to nitpick this album. I guess "Suspyre" had some very strong ideas, but the track honestly felt too avant-garde for its own sake. Likewise, "Graal" is another great track that sounds like it could be a staple of the bands catalogue, but on a record that is so vastly different than other projects, having a more standard Ne Obliviscaris track can feel like a letdown. I am very happy that this band rediscovered what made them so revered initially and provided 2023 with its first essential metal listen.

Best Songs: Equus, Misericorde II - Anatomy of Quiescence, Graal, Misericorde I - As the Flesh Falls