I’ve never been diagnosed with claustrophobia but I do sometimes find myself gasping for breath when experiencing enclosed spaces or especially watching movie scenes where a character is experiencing a lack of oxygen (more on this later). It’s not a truly debilitating moment for myself but the chest tightness and tiny bit of fear bubble to the surface. Fortunately, there is always quickly a sense of relief and I realize what I’m feeling is just a temporary sensation and I am in no danger.
But holy fuck, then I hit play on Obsidian Wreath. And my lungs refuse to cooperate. And it’s purposeful. Infant Island has crafted audio claustrophobia and I love every second of the fear, the distress, and dissociation. Rare are the moments of breathing freely as they create an atmosphere of absolute chaos as heard in “Unrelenting”. It isn’t just a clever song title, it’s a fucking onslaught of chaos and melody.
There is a twisted beauty hidden within Obsidian Wreath; between the cracks of dissonance and tortured screams. A twisted beauty akin to seeing a blue jay lying dead amongst rose petals, or a fawn’s mangled body in the woods during summer. Yes, there is horror and there is sadness but, within that, a conflicting optimism in the despair. Clouds give way during the outro to “Veil” as it cascades into the intro of “Amaranthine”. Then the thunder clap, the flash of lightning and the fucking monsoon blows through and destroys all in its path.
“Found Hand” is the only extended period of time on Obsidian Wreath that allows you to catch your fucking breath. However, it is akin to catching breath and seeking rays of light while being buried alive. As the song progresses and crescendos, you can feel the dirt and earth being piled on top of you higher and higher until, ironically, “Clawing, Still” begins and much like the title of the song, you are hoping to escape your soil-laden tomb.
If you’re wondering, “Fuck me, can this get any more bleak?”, I present to you, “Kindling”. A doozy of a track with an impeccable guest spot by doomgaze outfit, Greet Death. Melancholy and misery abound as there is no moment of hope to be found. To echo my statement earlier about movie characters, I am reminded of the opening scene of “Midsommar” (spoiler alerts) where we see that Dani’s sister has followed through with her threats of killing their parents and subsequently taping a garden hose of carbon monoxide to her own face. It is a horrifying and bottomless pit of sadness. Enjoy!
Drummer Austin O’Rourke is the human manifestation of Animal and seems to be the driving force behind the musical full throated roar. Alexander Rudenshiold, Winston Givler, and Kyle Guerra are no slouches either weaving a tapestry of melody and powerful musicianship. And, with all due respect, Daniel Kost must be haunted by fucking demons. The screams, shrieks, and vocalizations are awe inspiring, frightening, and singularly purposeful.
From open to close, Obsidian Wreath, challenges you and pushes your ability to cope to the brink. I recommend finding time to absorb this album as a whole because it is truly an overwhelming experience.
- Fav song: “Unrelenting”
FFO: Claustrophobia, real screamo, chaos, beauty, despair, optimism, dichotomies, Deafheaven before they went indie, black metal, life
Follow this fucking link to listen and while you’re there, fucking buy something from the band:
Windmills, Spinkicks, Headbangs, Push Pits 
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