German underground doom metal is a good thing. There’s an irresistible passion and zeal to be found with their primal, entrancing riffs that in a way, give it a unique identity. These qualities can also be found here in Obelyskkh. Whilst rooted in the traditional Black Sabbath styled tones, their ability to respect the influence and bring in other elements helps to retain a freshness. Three years in the making, Obelyskkh now present “The Providence”.

Title track, “The Providence” is a crusty, ominous affair with hypnotic, rich riffs and a Sabbathian groove that’s twisted with subtlety. The vocals have a clean sermonising quality before rage and angst build in equal proportions. There is a certain Orange Goblin “Healing Through Fire” era quality where the power lies in the simplicity and brutishness of the delivery. This is a theme that is maintained over the first few tracks. Blending moments of space rock with hints of Hawkwind, there are seas of hypnotic tidings mixed with pure garage, stoner rawness that brings to mind fellow countrymen Kadavar.

Most tracks are weighty with several clocking in at over 10 minutes so there’s plenty of room to take these Lovecraftian inspired journeys into different directions. The album takes a more exploratory and dark tone on “NYX” where some Celtic Frost aggression comes in at the start before elements of Paul Chain push this lengthy beast onwards. This latter influence permeates the album’s second half where the band also recall their more progressive and psych rock stylings. Early Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd and an Eastern chiming resonance create a lovely aura behind the more basic doom crush on “Aeons Of Iconoclasm” which leads into the closing track “Marzanna” with its’ heavy, foreboding atmosphere. The guitar break hangs in the background allowing the central riff to dominate as the album draws to its final moments.

Obelysskh aimed to give their songwriting some distinction with this release and their fans will doubtless be pleased with the results. “The Providence” is a solid album with recording by Andy Naucke and mastering courtesy of Brad Boatright, who has worked on albums by Sleep and High On Fire so there’s a rich depth that runs through some already well-crafted songs. This is worth giving a spin.

(7/10 Johnny Zed)

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