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Obtest music is among the heathen/pagan variety. Elements from black, death, folk, doom, thrash and traditional metal are felt throughout their composition. Putting a label on their music proves to be useless due to their variation in arrangements. While hearing all of the previously mentioned metal forms within “Gyvybes Medis,” Obtest is still rather unique. Traditional heavy metal with blackened metal roots would probably be the best interpretation or maybe even Viking metal. They actually remind me of a combination of the bands Slough Feg, Mental Home and Enslaved.
Obtest’s diverse songs structures on “Gyvybes Medis” gives you a different feel on just about every track. The dynamics of the songs changes from the melodic to discordant and are paced from slow to fast. In other words each track carries its own vibe.
The band uses a layering technique to make their music feel rich in sound. There isn’t a dull point in their music where the listener feels that there is something missing. There are several riffs that are appealing to the listener including those that are speed-driven, melancholic, and harmonious, though much of this album stays on the aggressive side. There are quality solos too. Vocals are rough voiced to near black metal grimaces. Lyrical themes seem to be about war, mythology, history, and heathen approaches.
“Gyvybes Medis” has 9 songs and over 43 minutes on it and there is multiple different release versions available for purchase; three in total. The formats include a digipak compact disk, a limited edition picture vinyl record and a limited edition collectors' A5 sized CD book. If you are looking for a unique brand of extreme metal then Obtest’s “Gyvybes Medis” is for you!
Rating: 83
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins