CD Title: Illusions Painted For Me Alone
Year: 2008
Website: oblivion999.com
MySpace: myspace.com/oblivion999crew
Label: None
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks Exclusive
Rating: 8 / 10
More Links: Please feel free to discuss Oblivion999 in the Loucifer Speaks forum.
The intro to this album would have you believe that Oblivion999 dabbled with the industrial element for their sound and, while it is slightly true, it's not completely the case. Some of the vocals in "In Need" certainly lend themselves to the Industrial genre, but on the whole this is a band that plays Extreme Metal... of the Progressive Death variety.
"Illusions Painted For Me Alone" is a strong piece of work, but I am left wondering as to whether it can stand a part from the rest of the crowd, or if it will just fall into obscurity. Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with this record. The musicianship is top-notch and the tracks are well-crafted, but I don't ever get the feeling that Oblivion999 are my new favourite band. Perhaps this album is more of a grower and in a couple of months time I'll want to edit this review and try to convert everyone on the planet into being Oblivion999 fans. Who knows?
Anyway, since I've been a bit negative so far, I thought I should shine a light on some of the more positive aspects of "Illusions For Me Painted Alone". The music on the album is nice and brutal, but not so brutal that it could put newcomers to the genre off. There is also a large focus on melody and I expect that if I'd found out about this band while I was getting into Death Metal they could have been the ones to turn me onto the genre. Basically, the tracks are easily accessible and could prove popular with most metal fans. You also get your money's worth with this album - Oblivion999 have treated their listeners to a whopping 13 tracks... and "The World Runs Faster Than Me" is my favourite of them!
On the whole, this is a good album and definitely comes recommended. Just don't go expecting it to change your life.