News
OBSIDIAN CHURCH Premiere “Specter of Despair” via NWOTHM
OBSIDIAN CHURCH unveil another shade of darkness
Italian epic doom metal band OBSIDIAN CHURCH have unveiled a second track from their debut album, “Stonebound”. The premiere of ‘Specter of Despair’ took place via the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) YouTube channel, known for its focus on traditional heavy metal. The album’s international physical release is scheduled for November 20 through Dying Victims Productions.
Formed in early 2024, the five-piece band, whose members are based in Palermo and Messina, Italy, offer a further glimpse into the musical direction of “Stonebound” with their latest track. ‘Specter of Despair’ follows the previously released ‘Fallen’ as the second song to be unveiled from the album.
Traditional heavy metal and epic doom metal are central to OBSIDIAN CHURCH’s musical approach. Among the band’s influences are CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS, SOLSTICE, TIAMAT, PARADISE LOST, PENTAGRAM, THERION, TRISTANIA, and BLACK SABBATH. Rather than relying too heavily on any one of these influences, however, the band aim to establish an identity of their own.
“Stonebound” marked a direct step into album releases for the band. Skipping the demo stage, OBSIDIAN CHURCH released their debut album digitally earlier this year before taking matters into their own hands to bring out a physical edition. Drummer and producer Antonio La Camera provides the rhythmic foundation, while vocalist Vicar Nocturnus, bassist Jos Curtis, and guitarists Sara Scavo and Giada Seidita complete the lineup.
The album’s production reportedly combines a rustic tone with a heavy, atmospheric sound. Its lyrical themes explore existentialism, loss, esoteric spirituality, and the search for beauty within the world.
The album features six tracks. Running for nearly nine minutes, ‘The Great Circle of Summoning’ is the longest track on the record, while ‘Specter of Despair’, at 4:50, is among its shorter offerings.
Having released their debut digitally before moving on to a physical edition, OBSIDIAN CHURCH will bring the international physical release of “Stonebound” to listeners on November 20 through Dying Victims Productions.