OBSCURITY
ASCHEREGEN (SILVER SPLATTER VINYL)

The tenth studio album of the Bergische Löwen bears the title Ascheregen. Since the release of their previous album 'Skogarmaors' there have been significant lineup changes at Obscurity, so it is not surprising that 'Ascheregen' features both new musical elements and established tried-and-true strengths. With this new powerhouse, the four members around band founder Agalaz are following a single course: forward like hell-fire! On 'Ascheregen' listeners can expect the powerful mix of melodic Death/Viking Metal in the band's usual style, but this time with a sharper Black Metal edge. That added bite lets Obscurity push to further enhance both melody and intensity. Consequently, 'Ascheregen' musically moves closer to the direction of their albums 'Tenkterra' and 'Vintar'. In terms of songwriting, the Bergische ensemble has also taken it up a notch, delivering more mature, fully fleshed-out song structures overall. For the track 'Rúnar Víg', the quintet from the Niederberg fulfilled a long-cherished wish by bringing in a guest from Sweden. Erik Grawsiö of Månegarm, a longtime friend of the Bergische Löwen, lends the song even greater epic breadth with his unmistakable voice, making it a standout moment on the album. Notably, Erik's guest vocals are performed completely in German. Lyrically 'Ascheregen' unfolds as a conceptual, dark journey through past and present. Across twelve chapters from the ominous opening 'Initium Dekadentiae' to the final echoes of 'Dystopie und Schwanengesang', old Norse mythology, the violent shadows of Christianization and the fractures of our modern world are intertwined. At its heart 'Ascheregen' is both lament and defiance - a critical reflection on the decay of society and a call to resist paternalistic and subjugating conformity. Regarding the production, the band remains consistent: the new album was once again hammered out in the venerable halls of 4CN Studios and produced by Tim Schuldt and Obscurity. Layout by Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove Design.