Cobalt
Eater of Birds
Profound Lore (2007)
Cobalt is a two-piece black metal band hailing from the United States. They have a surprisingly full and "polished" sound that sets them apart from other black metal bands that I have been privy to hear. Eater of Birds is the band's (from what I have gathered) second full-length and showcases a marked improvement from their first full-length (War Metal for those looking to search it out later). Holy black metal is correct; the real mellow sounds that initially start "When Serpents Return" lull you into a stupor that is blasted away by frenetic guitars and pounding drums. I was surprised by the groove that Cobalt lay down in the song. "Ulcerism" feels like a crushing wall of sound as it thunders out of the speakers. I like the way that this outfit "takes its time" with riffs and lets the sound really take up space within the song. Cobalt does allow for breathing from the usual metal onslaught that they unleash by interspersing acoustic pieces that at times are accompanied by ambient sounds, disconcerting noises, and creepy vocals (see all three "Ritual Use of Fire" tracks for examples). I would be remiss not to mention that "Invincible Sun" (which … Read more
These Days
Chained to the Lake
Twelve Gauge (2007)
Following the release of their debut full-length, one of my favorites of 2005, These Days went on indefinite hiatus. Needless … Read more
Pechblende
Collapse
Indianola (2007)
I very nearly saw this band, in a barn, no less. From the time I saw the flier I was … Read more
Sinking Ships
Ten
Revelation (2007)
If the rumor serves correct, this may be the swansong for Sinking Ships. I for one will be sad to … Read more
