Beyond the Oblivion are a Adelaide based Progressive Metal band formed in 2010.
Having played shows with the likes King Parrot, Desecrator, Alkira and Bronson among others the band have made quite and impact on the South Australian scene and in December of 2013 the band released their debut album “Shades Of Grey”
This album musically is fantastic. It really brings the heavy side of progressive metal. Its extremely technical in places but it never loses any of the pure heaviness like you’d find from a Pantera or a 90’s Sepultura.
The twin guitar work is excellent and the interplay between the 2 guitarist work well bringing in that old school Maiden or Priest style harmonisation and the doubling of solos in some spots works so well to give the songs an extra kick.
The drumming is pound and relentless. Liam Weedall again is the drummer for this band. I’m starting to think he’s the only drummer in all of South Australia. The guy is extremely talent so its no wonder he’s in such high demand.
The only place this album has an issues is the vocals. Now I understand the vocals are shared between Damo the lead vocalist as well as the 2 guitarists supplying additional vocals so it gets this weird mix and match effect happening. There are certain spots on songs, mainly chorus’s where the vocals change and get completely lost in the mix with the guitars coming in massively over the top and the effect that seems to layer over the vocals there leaves them extremely muddy and faint. Its really the only thing holding this album back
Stand out tracks are “Final Redemption” which features an amazing duel solo between both guitarists, the super heavy “Humanity” and the closing track “Nothing”.
This is musically one of the best technical albums I’ve had the pleasure of listening to in a while. Patchy vocals a side its definitely worth checking out and hopefully these mixing issues will be look at on future releases as again this is only the debut album so its still very early days for these guys
“Shades of Grey” is available now
http://www.reverbnation.com/beyondtheoblivion
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-The-Oblivion/174787695883519
http://beyondtheoblivion.bigcartel.com/
