Deadspace – The Promise of Oblivion

Oh man. You know, I’m in a fantastic mood. I’m feeling motivated, I am happy and life is good. Now I just need to listen to something that makes me want to crawl into a hole and die. Because why not? As weird as it may be to actively listen to depressing music, I find that it’s the purest form of emotional artwork. Depressive suicidal black metal was hard to listen to at first many years ago but I find myself uncontrollably wanting more and more and finding the best within the genre is always fun to discover and share. In this case, it’s a band from Australia with the name of Deadspace. No not the video game, it’s your next favorite DSBM band.

The Promise of Oblivion is terrifyingly beautiful. First thing I notice is the use of keys behind the endless flow of guitar noise and drum rhythm. Scathing and howling vocals boast past the instrumentation and create an overall bleak and dark atmosphere. The emotionally void expression in the lyrics along with the music is some of the best I’ve heard this year. I am a massive fan of the new Ghost Bath album and this ranks right up there with it. Hauntingly cold melodies combined with usage of atmospheric tension really gives Deadspace a sound that is a step ahead of most of the bands. Within this beautiful composition of terrible sadness, there is some extremely good talent to be heard on this album. From just the way the music flows to the guitar solos found on a couple of songs: The Promise of Oblivion has some promising moments with lasting appeal to it.

There are some moments on the album that could be overlooked or even skipped. While it was good for a few first listens, the track “Oblivion” could easily be skipped as it adds nothing to the album musically. HOWEVER, I find that this mid album narration is essential to the overall feel of the album and it kicks off the second half of the album rather well. Overly depressing, yes but necessary to the atmosphere and theme. In the end, I am left feeling nothing but impressed with how this album plays out. Like a cinematic roller coaster of emotion and story telling back with magnificent instrumentation to tie it all together. A fantastic journey, if you are into the new Ghost Bath, Funeral Oppression, Nocturnal Depression and the last Thy Light album then The Promise of Oblivion by Deadspace will be something you will crave. Enjoy.