Self-released, March 2008

Oblivion from Modena (Italy) has existed for almost a decade now and they are finally ready to release their new album, a full-length 13 songs long disc entitled Illusions Painted for me Alone.
The album is maybe not what one would call a ‘concept album’, but Illusions Painted for me Alone still presents a main lyrical theme, written in first person and present the different seasons of the narrator’s soul. It is really a different ‘concept’ and the whole visual thing surrounding this release that I have not seen before. The music this Italian quartet is playing can best be described as progressive metal but with a lot of additional influences and blends. For instance there’re numerous parts reminding me of some modern American thrash bands such as Trivium, but also more harsh and raging parts, almost technical death metal ones reminding me of In Flames, Opeth and Cryptopsy. In other words it is a sentimental thrash/death/prog assault simply ready to take every metal fan by the storm. It is aggressive, intense, spontaneous, enjoyable yet melodic piece of music with obvious technical and musical skills presented by all four musicians. The vocals are great and charismatic, sometimes having the tendency of falling to background, but still prominent.

It is not very usual to see Italian bands mastering these genre(s) as good as Oblivion 999 does it here. Same goes for their rather good handling of the English language. Cover artwork has been done by designer Francesco Sirotti and photographer Roberto Malaguti. Again, it is not very often that I see such a ‘simple’ yet catchy and professionally done cover artwork and booklet. All compliments and salutes go to this Italian unit and to you guys, please visit their site and show the respect they deserve: www.oblivion999.com