Ne Obliviscaris has surged forth as titans of extreme progressive metal ever since their inception back in 2003. They’ve woven complex soundscapes that push the boundaries of the genre, merging fierce riffs, ethereal violin harmonies, and an unforgettable dual-vocal onslaught. The band’s symphonies and conceptual artistry have rightfully earned them a place among the most respected names in progressive metal. Now, as the sands of time mark a decade since the release of the seminal album Citadel, Ne Obliviscaris summons you to delve once more into its re-imagined realms with the 10-year anniversary remastered edition.
Released initially in 2014, Citadel was an undisputed tour de force that carved a mark into the hearts of metal aficionados worldwide. The album, split into three epic movements, spans an evocative landscape from the ferocious storms of Painters of the Tempest, the scorching mid-section Pyrrhic, to the relentless awe of Devour Me, Colossus. Each movement stands as a pillar of majestic fury and exquisite despair, capturing the band’s brilliance in its most concentrated form.
Citadel Remastered is out October 11th on physical formats.
➤ Stream Citadel Remastered: https://neobliviscaris.fanlink.tv/Citadel
➤ Pre-order Citadel Remastered: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/NeOCitadelRemaster
Tracklist: 1. Painters of the Tempest (Part I): Wyrmholes (3:08) 2. Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych Lux (16:35) 3. Painters of the Tempest (Part III): Reveries from the Stained Glass Womb (3:35) 4. Pyrrhic (9:50) 5. Devour Me, Colossus (Part I): Blackholes (12:36) 6. Devour Me, Colossus (Part II): Contortions (2:28) // Total runtime: 48:12
Drum tracking for Exul, the fourth long-player from Australian extreme progressive metallers Ne Obliviscaris, started in March 2020. There is an ominous tone to that date: March 2020. The pandemic demarcation line. That month, Daniel Presland laid down his drums in Nashville, Tennessee, with American producer Mark Lewis. As flight cancellations increased and borders shuttered, Presland made it home literally hours before Australia closed theirs. Lewis, guitarist Benjamin Baret and bassist Martino Garattoni weren’t as lucky. They were due to land in Australia in the days that followed to continue tracking, but were forced to remain overeseas indefinitely. With recording studios shuttered throughout Melbourne, a slow, tedious, life-altering two-year grind to complete Exul ensued for Ne Obliviscaris. Seven additional studios and three more countries later, Exul was finally mixed and mastered in July 2022.
The album personifies Ne Obliviscaris’s distinctive, boundary-pushing ethos. The band’s trademark blend of emotion and beauty is as towering as ever, if not even more compelling, particularly how Charles’s violin lines carefully weave their way around Baret and fellow guitarist Matt Klavins’ riffing. The duality of Charles’s clean vocals and Xenoyr’s growls remains the narrative anchor, elevating songs that emanate sophistication and are a masterclass in composition.
Ne Obliviscaris lineup: Xenoyr – Harsh Vocals / James Dorton – (Live) Harsh Vocals / Tim Charles – Violin & Clean Vocals / Benjamin Baret – Lead Guitar / Matt Klavins – Guitar / Martino Garattoni – Bass / Dan Presland – (Live) Drums