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Alex Kurtagic, Supernal Music catalogue [England]: Tadas was hysterical with enthusiasm and confident to the point of arrogance with his new release, so I was automatically sceptical - not because I am rotten and miserable, but because label managers often adopt these airs when they have a new release, as one of the many cheap and dirty tactics they use to flog as many copies of their cds as possible. Many of them do stuff to make money, and don't make money to do stuff, you see, so theirs are empty lives, devoid of ethics and without honour. Also, I have seen this culture that values the vacuous pursuit of money for its own sake corrupt perfectly fine individuals, fine individuals like Tadas, over time. But Tadas proved once again to have resisted the unscrupulous ways of the other scoundrels - and he has good reason to feel satisfied, for OBTEST are indeed a gem. These Lithuanian warriors offer us a refreshing brand of Baltic-styled Black Metal of a very melodic and heroic nature, of high calibre, and boasting an impeccable execution and production. Briskly paced throughout with drums either racing along or quickly galloping, there is plenty of leadwork in the guitar department, either emphasizing the melodic element of the rhythm guitar, or harmonizing, in any instance creating evocative and instantly engaging melodies able to surprise with their unfamiliarity and please with their atmospheric quality. The vocals mix a gruffly bellowed delivery with clean, harmonized choruses, which are the part that brings in the heroic element. The lyrics are sung in Lithuanian, but they are translated into English in the rather attractive booklet, so we know they predictably deal with Mediaeval history, warfare, and tradition. Rounding things off you get a clean, yet spacious sound, with plenty of reverb in the stringed department. There are many bands from the Baltic states besides POCCOLUS and SKYFORGER with a lot to offer and certainly a very unique Eastern flavour, yet which are completely unknown in this hemisphere. A good way to begin your exploration, if you have never heard extreme Metal from this North-Easternly and mysterious region of Europe, could well be through hearing the folk tales of these ancient warriors.
Andreas Stasinopoulos, Metal Invader website [Greece]: Good pitch-black news brings with it the second album of Lithuania's OBTEST, "Auka seniems dievams", and you would act wise to give it the proper attention; unless you belong to those that avoid underground productions like the Devil avoids holy water (in that case ask yourself if you are surfing in the right website). OBTEST have been fighting and struggling for 12 years in the underground circles, where tape trading is still alive, and they enter 2004 (well, actually the album was released a few months ago) hoping that they will attract the attention of the press and the audience. Although my knowledge of the group is limited, I am sure that even if that doesn't happen they will proudly continue their course. Why do I say that? Because of the excellent Auka Seniems Dievams", an album that initially surprises you and then it convinces you for the quality of the 10 compositions that comprise it. After many and careful listens of the album, I concluded that its most alluring constituent is the use of Lithuanian lyrics (there is an English translation included in the booklet for those interested in the lyrical content), which fit perfectly to the aggressive black metal blasts; although they initially puzzle the listener, given that the English language has become a taboo, they finally win him. Those lyrics wonderfully aid the march-type compositions, even though they cannot be considered suggestive of the genre. Musically, their heavy-black mix (in contrast to the epic-style vocals) presents itself rough and completely unrefined, abiding with reverence to the now forgotten inheritance of ALGAION. Their intentions become immediately apparent when "In Sardies" sends proud greetings. Then, "Anapus Nemuno" leads us into the freezing-cold climate and the frosty soundscapes of Lithuania. Followingly, we reach the album's hit, the pagan "Auka Seniems Dievams", where the blending of epic rhythm with choir-style vocals climaxes. Because the protests for the marks that we gave to well-known and established bands with big names can still be heard (the examples are many, but most striking was the 1.5/6 for the new ICED EARTH album) and because many will hastily smile to the 5/6 that accompanies the present review, I want to state a few things to make myself clear: OBTEST without any substantial help, distant from the discographic palaces and without the help of famous producers and studios, released an album which the saturated European Black Metal looks at with envy, as it has been relying on the derogative copying of the same recipes aiming at the safe and easy way to get recognized. On the contrary, in the case of OBTEST the craving for creation and the talent is more than enough and their amateurism crushes many babbling professionals. Without any hesitations this album gets a... [5 / 6]
Andrzej Papiez, Masterful magazine [Poland]: 'Auka seniems dievams' po polsku znaczy 'Ofiara dla starożytnych bogów', zespół pochodzi z Litwy, konkretnie z Wilna... Kiedy spojrzałem na okładkę przedstawiającą namalowanych brodatych wojów pewien byłem, że nieprędko będę miał ochotę zapoznać się z zawartością krążka. Mam jakieś uprzedzenie do łączenia metalu z historią. Obtest jednak doczekał się odpalenia płyty... pierwsze co rzuca się na uszy to język w jakim panowie śpiewają i wykrzykują linijki tekstu... po litewsku! Sami przyznacie, że jest to język, mimo dzielącej nas małej odległości, dość egzotyczny, tym bardziej w metalu. I o dziwo, całkiem przyswajalny. Zresztą, jakby co, we wkładce są tłumaczenia tekstów. Muzyka zaś to bardzo melodyjny black metal. Jednak melodyjność 'Auka...' wcale mnie ani nie przesłodziła, ani nie zamuliła, wręcz spodobała mi się. Obtest opiera swą raczej szybką i rytmiczną muzykę na łatwo przyswajalnych i wpadających w ucho melodiach wspieranych często przez męskie (waleczne?) chórki. Jest też coś bajecznego w muzyce Litwinów, czasem niepokojącego, jednak chyba najbardziej 'Auka...' zainspirowana jest folklorem Litwy, tak sądzę, choć ni w ząb nie znam ich folkloru. Muzyka, którą gra Obtest, prosta, melodyjna, raczej nie smutna i pełna wigoru najbliżej ma do black metalu z wkładką folkową... i jeśli ktoś lubi to, co tworzy Einherjer i temu podobni, powinien sięgnąć po ich wschodnio-bałtycki odpowiednik. Ciekawa alternatywa, nie powiem. [7 / 10]
Astus, The Nocturnal Battle of Chariots webzine [Poland]: "OBTEST to kolejna formacja pochodząca zza naszych wschodnich granic, konkretnie z Litwy. Zresztą owe pochodzenie grupy jest doskonale słyszalne na płycie "Auka Seniems Dievams", gdyż wszystkie teksty zostały tu napisane w rodzimym języku panów z OBTEST, a poza tym jak każda grupa pagan-metalowa ze wschodu Europy, tak i opisywana kapela charakteryzuje się pewnym specyficznym klimatem, jaki raczej nigdzie indziej nie może zostać wytworzony, jak właśnie na wschodnich terytoriach naszego kontynentu.
Bart Gabriel, Dragonight Agency / Metal Hunters website [Poland]: I bet that many of you heard the name OBTEST for a first time, as mainly dedicated underground freaks already knows this band. Sadly I'm between who didn't hear them before, and "Auka Seniems Dievams" is the only one release from this Lithuanian band I know. Guys started in 1992 as Pagan Black Metal horde, and until 1998 they have released few demos and 7" single. As mentioned before, I didn't hear their earlier stuff and I also don't know their debut full lenght CD "Tukstantmetis" from 1999. So what did I found on "Auka Seniems Dievams"? A fantastic piece of steel! I guess some of you could be dissapointed after I mentioned "Pagan Black Metal", as a lot of shitty bands which are using this terms used to drifts around. Actually it is more of Pagan than Black Metal on this release, as the raw and evil vocals are clear enough to understand words. Yeah, understand the words. But only for those of you, who knows... Lithuanian language! That's right, OBTEST sings in their native language! And you know what? It sounds fantastic! Metal history showed us that native languages of East Euro contires sounds perfect in Metal (do you remember Russian cults like ARIA, AVGUST or MASTER, Hungarian POKOLGEP and OSSIAN, or Polish KAT, STOS and TURBO?), so I raise my glass of beer for you guys, for choosing that way. About the music - well, if you like raw and evil, but still melodic pure and real Metal (without keyobards, gay melodies, violins and all that shit), the I guess you will like them. The thing which totally blown me away is a sizzling guitar work, which sometimes reminds me to the mighty German warriors of DESASTER. Ok. Enough or talking. Get it, that's Metal! [8 / 9]
Brian Griffin, Loud! magazine [Australia]: Obtest is a four piece band from Lithuania and because I'm not sure exactly when this actually came out, I'll just say that this is their latest offering. An offering it is too: Auka Seniems Dievams means Offering to the Ancient Gods' and what more could you expect from an album called something like that than ten tracks of relentless, rousing Lithuanian war metal! Obtest sing of war and the glory of battle as their titles translate to things like Home Shall My Horse Carry My Body' and Returning With Fire of War', so for what it is then, the band's music is surprising. It's quite a good deal less heavy than you'd probably expect and far more melodic than it has any right to be. The vocals are unusually clean too with the occasional grim shriek here and there and while the booklet offers English translations all the lyrics are sung in Lithuanian, which is a nice thing to see. For the most part however, the various tracks are almost indistinguishable from one another, built around almost identical riff patterns and played at the same mid-tempo half gallop throughout. Not withstanding such comment, Auka Seniems Dievams doesn't aspire to be anything more than it is, and for that reason it's quite a good album and rather well produced to boot. [3 / 5]
Carlos Flores, Warzone webzine [Chile]: Obtest es una banda originaria de Lituania que comienza como tal en el a?o 1992. Como podr?n imaginar las cosas no se dieron muy r?pido para ellos y les tomó dos a?os el poder editar su primer ?lbum Tukstantmetis en a?o 1999 el cual, debido a una pésima distribución, no recibe la atención merecida. Ahora con su segundo larga duración estos guerreros de B?ltico han llegado a costas chilenas para entregar esta Auka Seniems Dievams u Ofrenda a los Antiguos Dioses, en la lengua de Cervantes.
Catalin Carlaont, Spell Of Night webzine [Romania]: Ten heathen pagan metal songs from the hearts of the ancient warriors from Obtest are proposed here. The musical line is close to black metal but the difference is made by the vocals which are sung not screamed. This is really catching that warrior atmosphere unlike other bands which try to do something in this manner but fail. Yon can hear some choir here and there...
Catherine Lahance, Leather n'Spikes zine [Canada]: I liked Obtest's first album and pretty much all they released. But THIS is so much superior!!!! I didn't believe the record company at first but when I heard it, I understood! They evolved and developed so much their sound... Now they have integrated in a better way their pagan influences, to make it a masterpiece in this musical genre. There are, in every song, excellent riffs from where all the structure of the songs is being constructed around. I like all the tracks!!!!! They perfectly mix extreme metal (not necessarily black or death, no category) with a strong pagan, viking atmosphere. Each song is like a battle, a fight, with heavy rain and all that. I just love the guitar sound, it's different than usual (they use guitars for atmosphere, no synth at all!!). They really did develop a sound of their own. They all sing in Lithuanian but you get the translations: victorious, war songs, «no battle without flames, no freedom without conflict, as no blood without wound...»; as you can see, right from the first song you know the whole feeling of the album! All with a particular, unusual cover art. Highly recommended!!!!
Dale Roy, Canadian Assault zine [USA]: I have heard so many good and glorious things and buzz in general about this band from UG press and comrades alike. So it was with some fine enthusiasm and anticipation I slapped this logo emblazoned disc into my stereo to drink in Obtest. And so it was with great dismay I became awashed in the bitter taste of misguided advise, it swam in my mouth like poison. What i heard was the soft twinkle through the tulips folk rhythms parading around as metal riffs. I mean in my opinion you either embrace metal fully or not at all! It is a foolish bit of business to dilute it with blatant disregard and yeah they seem to be competent musicians but if I hear one more fruity viking chant I will gnaw my finger off and swallow it. Okay if you want a description here I go, think of mixing traditional straight folk music with stuff like Einherjer and In Flames but played with some of the happiest dog damned riffs I have had the displeasure to sneer at. The only thing which saved this from being completed trash score wise are tracks 7 & 8 (Priesa Parklupdyk & Zirgas Parnes Mano Kuna) where Obtest let run free their not totally lost metal selves. Is this a sign of things to come or one last nod ans wave good-bye to something they are leaving behind forever? [4,5 / 10]
Doru Atomei, Kogaionon magazine [Romania]: My colleague from Ad Arma! magazine (ex. Ledo Takas) has decided to promote bands from his own country and thus I now carry in my hands an album of a Lithuanian band to which, although I try finding defects, I have nothing to reproach. The entire album develops a notable strength as the guitars' sound, although rather primitive or unprofessionally mixed, creates a traditional Slavonic medieval atmosphere, which is enjoyable for the ear. Moreover, the tracks are performed in English and Lithuanian as well resembling rather to hymns due to a strong clear impressive voice. I find difficult to label the four's music into a certain style! Perhaps if trying I could say Slavonic Black Metal! It might be Helheim in a Slavonic resonance or a different Skyforger more classical and somehow clearer of so many modern instruments, effects and thus torments. And these are the most appropriate things to the Obtest's visualization and manner of approaching music! [0.79 / 1]
Erik, Myrrthronth website [Germany]: Als Obtest Ende Oktober zusammen mit Skyforger Helsinki unsicher machten, hat mich die energetische, mitreissende Darbietung der Litauer davon überzeugt, das aktuelle Album käuflich zu erwerben. Bereut habe ich diesen Einkauf bis jetzt nicht, denn auch auf Konserve versprühen Obtest jede Menge Energie.
Everburning, Panzer webmagazine [Portugal]: This is Lithuanian four piece epic Black Metal band with their debut album. There are ten songs here all in similar Black Metal style, epic, with some heavy metal influences mainly present in sound of guitar semi-solo parts. Music is easy flowing, intense and songs are well structured, so this instrumental part is very interesting. Voice is part that is not so appealing to me. Not because of singing in Lithuanian, I guess I can get used to that, when I don't mind singing in other Slavic languages, but because sometimes it reminds me of punk styled singing! Singers sense of melody, rhythm and all is just right, but color of his voice is too punkish, as said, so I loose that epic feeling, so vital for this kind of metal. Otherwise, no other complaint, except maybe sometimes drumming is somewhat unimaginative, but all is ok in general. I also liked drawings on cover a bit, very nice painted warriors and gods in expressionist manner. [3,5 / 5]
Filip Jesion, Agonia magazine [Poland]: Black Metal band hailing from Lithuanian land. A kind of Pagan Black Metal but already mixed - especially when it comes about riffs - with some classick heavy metal variations, arrangements and song's structures. Some songs used to be very powerful and some of them are rather modest but with highly spelled imagination and quality performed. Some of the tracks, like for example 'Anapus Nemuno' once listened remain in your eaers and brain and turn out to be unforgotten... According to me very skilled band, good musicaniship as well as the Black Metal with Heavy Metal background are definitely highlighting points that should encourge all of you to pick this silver up. Available on CD as well as in limited vinyl edition. www.obtest.lt [4,5 / 6]
Francesco Palumbo, Vampiria magazine [Italy]: Obtest has been a surprise for me. It was not for their qualities (Tadas tastes in facts of music are known to me), but for the music they play. Their Epic Black Metal is rich of references to other kinds of music starting from Heavy Metal arriving to the Baltic Folk passing through some Viking Metal a la Enslaved, just to give you an idea of what they play. It is good music, that with a more professional recording could offer something absolutely original and you know how it is difficult to present on the same album personality and skill. Great technique, good tastes, great influences. One of the next big things of our scene. [80 / 100]
Giorgio Fogliata, Silent Scream webzine [Italy]: Non deve essere facile coltivare una forte passione per la musica in Lituania, e suonando Metal lo deve essere ancora meno. Ma proprio con questo lavoro, il loro secondo full lenght, gli Obtest, gruppo attivo fin dal lontano 1992, ci dimostrano quanto tante volte non siano necessarie produzioni "bombastic" per suonare musica ricca di feeling e di passione. Chitarra, basso, batteria e voce. Questi sono gli Obtest, che non si preoccupano neanche tanto di curare la produzione. Infatti questa risulta scarna fino all'osso, con quel bel suono pulito delle chitarre che mi ha riportato alla mente le cantine umide ed i garage della mia infanzia dove io e qualche altro disperato ci divertivamo a massacrare i nostri poveri strumenti. Gli Obtest suonano un Pagan Metal con fortissime influenze Epiche e Folk, influenze non buttate l? a caso, solo per rendere la musica interessante, bens? scaturite dalla pura essenza dei musicisti che, come spesso accade in que sti casi, sono fortemente innamorati del proprio Paese e della propria storia. Il titolo stesso del lavoro, che si pu? t radurre in "Offrendo agli Antichi Dei", ne ? una buona prova. Il giochino dell'"antichristian" ? in verit? un po' superato: nella loro biografia i nostri ci informano che il 23 aprile 1997, lo stesso giorno in cui, secoli prima, era stato ucciso il primo missionario cristiano in terre Baltiche, vede la luce il loro primo album, "Tukstantmetis", ma sinceramente non riesco a cogliere l'essenza di un simile accostamento. Le song si sviluppano su canali piuttosto semplici, ma risultano tirate, ben suonate e convincenti; in certi momenti sembra di trovarsi proprio in mezzo ad un'orda di vichinghi, soprattutto grazie alle atmosfere create dal combo ed all'uso delle vocals, molto dirette e potenti, anche se alla lunga un po' monotone, utilizzate, come del resto tutti gli strumenti nel lavoro, senza cedere all'effettistica, ma fidandosi solo del mezzo umano, o comunque della tecnologia nella sua forma pi? semplice e pi? diretta. In questo contesto si po ssono inserire i richiami Folk, interpretati con convinzione e capacit?. Agli Obtest non sono necessari i flauti o le female vocals per ricordare a tutti la terra dalla quale essi provengono: infatti, una chitarra suonata con maestria pu? e ssere adattissima allo scopo. In conclusione, ci troviamo di fronte ad un lavoro veramente buono, attaccato alle radici del Black Metal, al suo modo pi? vero di intendere l'approccio con la musica e con la produzione della stessa, che non p otr? che far piacere ai puristi del genere, anche per via della ventata di freschezza che, pur rimanendo all'interno di tematiche non originalissime, questo cd porta con sé. Bravi! [8 / 10]
Harald, From Beyond magazine [Norway]: This was a difficult album for me. It's not good, it's not bad, it's not Death Metal, it's not Black Metal... It's something in between all this. There's even some folksy stuff in there too, like in the vocal parts and shit like that. I don't know, it's just not very special. [2,5/6]
Hector Noble Fernandez, She Divine And Existence Libertine website [Spain]: OBTEST was born in Lithuania in 1992. Apart from Auka
they have also released a rehearsal recording, a gig recording, 1 live video, two demos, two 7 and another CD (Tukstantmetis; 1999).
JF, Legacy magazine [Germany]: Die Litauer reiten wieder! Nachdem mir schon das Debut "Tukstantmetis" vor zwei Jahren ziemlich gut gefallen hatte (ursprünglich war es bereits 1997 als Kassette erschienen), war ich nun gespannt, wie der Nachfolger ausfallen würde. "Auka Seniems Dievams" bedeutet etwa "Opfer für die alten Götter", und so singen die vier Recken wieder von Schlachten und Heldentaten des litauischen Volkes. Auch musikalisch hat sich wenig geändert, allerdings muß ich gestehen, daß ich mehrere Anläufe brauchte, bis ich dieses Album wirklich gut fand. Der Sound ist etwas dichter geworden, wobei der typische Sound der Gitarren sich aber nicht verändert hat. Das Schlagzeug ist diesmal besser weggekommen und klingt nicht mehr wie ein Drumcomputer. Ansonsten ist eben alles beim Alten geblieben: die Chöre, die hymnenhaften Refrains, die bösartig herausgespieenen Texte, und die sägenden Riffs, die wie eine vorpreschende Reiterphalanx alles niedertrampeln. Etwas schwach ist diesmal das Covermotiv ausgefallen, dafür wurden jedoch alle Texte in Litauisch und in Englisch abgedruckt. Insgesamt sind es wieder zehn Lieder geworden, auf der LP-Version soll sich noch ein Live-Bonustrack befinden. Neben Numen sind OBTEST die besseren Pagan Metal-Vertreter in dieser Ausgabe, wenngleich sich diese beiden Bands schwer miteinander vergleichen lassen. Auf jeden Fall eine gute Platte! Kontakt mit dem Label gibt es über folgende E-Mail-Adresse: ledo@banga.lt [10 / 15]
Karek, Bomber magazine [Poland]: Historia litewskiego Obtest sięga roku 1992, tak więc jakby nie patrzeć, metalowym poganom strzeliła już dyszka... a "Auka..." to ich drugi, pełnoczasowy album- wydany tym razem przez młodą firmę Ledo Takas. Nie spodziewałem się specjalnych fajerwerków muzycznych, bo rysunki z wkładki dość jednoznacznie nasuwały mi skojarzenia z jakimś cherlawym black-pagan-metalem z disco-polowymi klawiszami i quazi-symfonicznymi zagrywkami. Całe szczęście, wszystko jest zupełnie inaczej! No, prawie wszystko, bo Obtest jest rzeczywiście pogańską grupą... Nawet teksty śpiewane są w ojczystym języku. Duży plus, bo słuchanie tych krzyków po litewsku automatycznie podnosi "jakoś" specyficzną atmosferę tej płyty. Na dodatek, obszerna wkładka posiada tłumaczenia w języku angielskim, więc jakby co, nie powinno się mieć większych problemów ze zrozumieniem tekstów. O dziwo, wokal to nie growling i nawet nie ma tu elementów charakterystycznego warkotu. Odważę się napisać, że styl śpiewu jest trochę punkowy. Niedbałe wywrzaskiwanie poszczególnych fraz, niedbałe trzymanie melodii (co zresztą nie zawsze wychodzi, haha!), jednak nie mam w tym przypadku najmniejszych zastrzeżeń. Jakoś nie wyobrażam sobie Obtest z typowo melodyjnym wokalem- np. heavy metalowym z operową manierą etc, bo szkolony i profesjonalnie wyćwiczony głos mógłby zaszkodzić atmosferze albumu. Tu liczą się przede wszystkim: agresja, złość i surowość- i te trzy czynniki zostały wyeksponowane z porażającą prezycją. Samo brzmienie gitar i niektóre frazy przypominają mi sławny już album Enslaved "Eld". Niektóre, bo na "Eld" było dużo zwolnień i smaczków typu gitara akustyczna i kilka niemale folkowych akcentów. W muzyce Obtest tego nie ma; Cały album od początku do gońca jest bardzo agresywny a najbliższe odniesienie do stylu pagan-metal odzwierciedla się tu w sposobie śpiewania niektórych refrenów- kilka głosów, klimat hymnów i podniosły, dumny nastrój. Z radością też przyjmuję fakt, że "Auka..." to muzyka bardzo staromodna. Trudno szukać tu jakichkolwiek nowoczesnych akcentów, kompozycje utrzymane są w klimatach ekstremalnej muzy z lat osiemdziesiątych. Zdarza się nawet tu i ówdzie jakieś nawiązanie do trash metalu (mam na myśli głównie perkusję), a miłośnicy gitarowych solówek też nie powinni się czuć zawiedzeni. Podsumowując: Bardzo udany album i mam wrażenie, że mogą polubić go nie tylko fani najcięższych odmian metalu. Tylko więcej takich zespołów na scenie; Obtest proponuje męską, solidną jazdę zamiast pogańskich, dyskotekowych przytupów na klawiszach marki Casio z gdakającą kurą na wokalu, jakich pełno w polskim podziemiu. Niestety.
Lord Azmoth, Demonic Horde website [Norway]: Top Obtest didn't get much attention in our areas, even if they already released several albums, and present here their 5th album. They play a pagan Black Metal, with folk influences, choirs, and more aggressive riffs. The album starts with a melodic mid-tempo rhythm, with light and pleasant guitar sounds and melodies. OBTEST sing in their native tongue, that gives a particular tone to the whole release. The clear & energetic vocals are enhanced by backing vocals, some male choirs adding to the quality of the atmospheres. The faster tracks sound clearly more punk than Black, with a predominance of the guitar work, a fast drumming, and the predominant vocals alternating jerky and harsh sentences to more melodic punk-rock singing. The well-played compositions, the clean aspect of each track, that seem to naturally link together strongly remind Basque and Spanish melodic punk rock bands, that stroke hard in the punk scene some years ago as sociedad alkoholica, Paralysis Permanente, Porca Macabra, or even the Varukers (uk). Between pagan, punk and battle metal, this album is radically different from your recent listenings, for sure! Stay turned, this band indubitably innovates, and will be a part of the Metal's new tendencies. The Vinyl version also contains bonus live trax . More at Ledo Takas Rec. You can also read an OBTEST interview in Darkness Treasures #3, contact DemonicHorde or Forgotten Wisdom Prod.
Loufi, Violent Solutions website [France]: Il y a des albums qui attirent inévitablement une certaine méfiance: une signature sur un label obscur, un pays d'origine peu connu pour ses productions de qualité, une pochette passe-partout ou un nom qui ne donne pas vraiment d'indications sur le genre pratiqué. Pourtant, dans certains cas, des disques a priori ambigus peuvent se révéler etre de véritables chefs-d'oeuvre. A l'instar d'Uriel qui a trouvé en Russie les innovateurs Rakoth, je suis extremement fier de vous présenter une nouvelle révélation qui nous vient tout droit de Lituanie, pays malheureusement plus connu pour son déferlement d'immigrés clandestins en quete d'un hypothétique eldorado que pour une scene métal véritablement active. De plus, cet album commence plutōt mal a mon gout. Le premier titre "is sirdies" se voit d'emblée gāché par une voix claire approximative et on n'a franchement pas envie d'aller voir beaucoup plus loin. Mal m'en aurait pris car les neuf titres suivants tapent carrément dans le mille en nous présentant un heavy/black aux accents parfois folkloriques absolument détonnant. Dans la lignée du premier album de Moonspell "wolfheart" et du mini-lp qui l'a précédé, la musique de Obtest n'est qu'un prétexte jouissif a une suite de cavalcades glorieuses, de duels de guitares maitrisés, de rythmiques dynamiques et enlevées a l'instar de "auka seniems dievams" ou de "kruvinos pasvaistes". Des le deuxieme titre, les vocaux se métamorphosent en incantations guerrieres et n'ont rien a envier aux portugais précédemment cités. Le son est globalement dense mais d'une clarté exemplaire malgré une production assez éloignée des standards des grosses productions. Les guitares se font grineantes comme sur le cultissime "the art of dreaming" des non-moins-cultissimes Golden Dawn et la batterie se pose en assistante rigoureuse et disciplinée d'un mur de six-cordes inspiré, sobre et mélodique. Et pour couronner le tout, un instrumental absolument somptueux "vardan" vient clore un opus qui n'a comme seul défaut que de commencer un peu mal. Mais devant un tel talent, je suis contraint de tout pardonner. Alleluia! Plus d'infos: http://www.ledotakas.com ou le site web d'Obtest http://www.obtest.lt [18,5 / 20 - top 3 album of February 2002]
Maarten de Jong, Vampire webmagazine [Netherlands]: OBTEST are relatively unknown in western Europe. This Lithuanian band was formed in 1992. After several demo tapes their full legnth "TUKSTANTMETIS" was released on MC in 1997 and on CD in november 1999. "TUKSTANTMETIS" was a black/folkish deeply inspired by the heathen Prussian tribes. What made OBTEST special was the fact that they achieve this folkish atmosphere with the common metal instruments; no flutes, keyboards, female vocalists or other embellishments, they were one hundred percent METAL. The album was undeveloped in some places however and had a bit of a disconnected feel.
Martin Kvam, Monster magazine [Norway]: Not bad black metal from Lithuania this. The 2nd album of Obtest offers quite melodic and melancholy black metal, and the thing that makes them different is their influence of East-European folkmusic. It's quite primitive sounding at times and the vocals could've been better, but it works. Most of the time, they sing in their mother tounge, but it suits the music. As I said, not bad at all. Can be obtained for $14 from Ledo Takas Records. [3,5 / 5]
Michele Toscan, Nuclear Abominations webzine [Italy]: I don't really know what I liked exactly in OBTEST. I generally am quite allergic to pretentious folk metal or other forms of bastardized/watered Death/Black, yet this album has some special flavour which really can't get out of my very soul. Might be the Lithuanian lyrics, or the fact this album sounds as if OBTEST don't necessarily want to appeal the big Black Metal crowd that can't get into pure extreme music and need to have it sweetened with nice melodies (i.e. girls in general and all those fakes that listen to the likes of STORM etc.) OBTEST seems to be born this way, not just like a Black metal band that got nuts, it is SINCERE about what it does. There is an epic, proud feeling of ancient medieval times, an age of true feelings, a reminiscence of times lost by ages, that just make my throat thirsty for beer and my hands closed around a pewter mug. In any case the eastern accent, the epic choral voices, the melancholic chords have something different in them. I can't assure everybody will like it but I personally did very much. [7/10]
Morgana, Back To The Grave website [Portugal]: Already in existence since late 1992, OBTEST have a seemingly long discography. Nevertheless, this is my very first contact to the band, hence expect no comparison with any previous releases. For a first contact, I would say this Lithuanian heathen war metal' band does in fact deserve the positive reactions from media and general listeners they have been receiving over the years.
Mr. Northwind, Ad Arma! magazine [Lithuania/Finland]: Being attentive to your thoughts and his own 'editorial' morality, Tadas felt that reviewing stuff he himself has released through Ledo Takas is a definite no-no, and that's why I got the dirty job. Lucky me that this new album by the Lithuanian Heathen War Metal masters doesn't suck at all, so I won't have to thrash it and lose my job here at Ad Arma! HQ either, hah.
Nagel, Lords of Winter webzine [France]: Second album pour le combo lituanien, et un pas en avant vers un reconnaissance méritée. En effet ce « auka seniems dievams » n'est rien d'autre qu'une ?uvre fi?re et héro?que, plus aboutie que le précédent effort, ne serait-ce au niveau de la conviction palpable des musiciens et tout simplement du son, rendant une meilleure justice ? l'ensemble. Des compos ultra-efficaces mais pourtant relativement simples arrivent ? vous surprendre et ? vous conquérir, c'est tout le charme du disque et du groupe plus généralement ! La musique montre des liens avec du black metal dans les parties up tempo («žirgas parneš mano küną ») mais l'essentiel réside en une cavalcade dynamique et mélodique de riffs heavy, m?lée ? un chant clair agressif vraiment tr?s charismatique et des ch?urs qui appellent ? la bataille ou aux anciens dieux, th?mes principaux abordés par le groupe (dont les textes traduits en anglais sont disponibles dans le livret). Pas d'instruments traditionnels ici, ce qui est plut?t étonnant pour le style, mais c'est aussi une des marques de fabrique d'Obtest que de réussir ? transmettre les m?mes émotions et mélodies avec de simples guitares ; le dernier titre, l'instrumental « vardan » en est un brillant exemple. L'album ne propose pas de mauvais morceaux et s'av?re suffisamment varié et cohérent : de passages assez directs et rapides, on passe facilement ? un mid tempo parfois agrémenté d'arp?ges ? l'image du premier morceau, sorte de chevauchée vers la bataille. Les ch?urs ne sont pas en reste, ils montrent toute leur efficacité sur « anapus nemuno », l'hymne qu'est « auka seniems dievams » ou encore l'entra?nant « eime su mumis », donnant un relief supplémentaire aux refrains, composant récurrent des titres du combo. Obtest nous montre l? sa vision tr?s personnelle et rafra?chissante, dans une musique beaucoup plus guerri?re que sombre, aboutissant ? un disque s'écoutant avec un plaisir certain. La sc?ne balte a de beaux jours devant elle avec de tels protagonistes, une sc?ne aussi bien sinc?re que riche en diversité et en qualité. [7,5 / 10]
Nuno Santos, Ancient Ceremonies magazine [Portugal]: What have we here... a Pagan Black Metal Lithuanian band! The ambience that this quartet creates throughout Auka Seniems Dievams is something not so common in this kind of bands. They actually created a very interesting mixture of Epic, Black Metal, and Heavy Metal... although there is still space for some improvement and above all also space for a better production. The second opus from Obtest is something not to digest and through away!! All songs remain in the mid horse ride tempo with the occasional speed up, occasional choirs and thundering Viking energy! While some of the songs needed a bit more development (probably cause they were written on different years, ranging from 97/'98 to 00/'01) there are quite a few highlights like for instance the title track Auka Seniems Dievams', Is Sirdies' or Priesa Parklupdyk'. Still for many I believe this is the kind of albums that it depends a bit on having the right mood at the moment to fully accept it with wide arms open! Give it a try and be enchanted with the Lithuanian lyrics! [7,5 / 10]
Oliver Holm, Metalized magazine [Denmark]: "Offering to the Ancient Gods" is the international title for Obtest's album, but it is however tempting to preserve the cryptic intonation of the Lithuanian terminology. Obtest collect the laurels from my palms due to a notorious steadfast belief, which is evident in music, lyrics as well as artwork and creates a particular niche for the heathen credo of the quartet. The opener of the album "Is Sirdies" (From the Heart...) is a beautiful epic ballad on the glorious epiphany of war, but unfortunately the remaining songs on "Auka Seniems Dievams" fail to control this equal emotional level albeit the instrumental "Eime Su Mumis" (Come with Us...) delivers a decorative full stop for Obtest's atavistic night ride. Self-evident pendants to Enslaved's "Eld" era and Amon Amarth anno "Once Sent from the Golden Hall" can be located on the album, but nevertheless the Viking horn of Obtest blares in a distinct tone, which is probably not least of all due to the special feature of their mother tongue.
Pedro Azevedo, Chronicles of Chaos webzine [USA]: I do receive plenty of underground releases in my mailbox every month, yet only a few of those qualify as real oddities. Obtest - from Lithuania , of all places - are one such oddity; not because their music is amazingly inventive and avantgarde, but because they are one of those bands that come from an unusual country and -sound- like it. What Obtest play is a form of blackened warlike metal, which they imbue with a strong folk feel - in the same sense as a Scandinavian band, like Enslaved, might sound Viking. This is what makes Obtest sound different from the norm, as they sing in their native language and the war chants come across as rather distinctive. The band does have a penchant for some very memorable songwriting, which they display best on the album's opening couple of tracks ("Is Sirdies" and "Anapus Nemuno", if you want to know) and on "Priesa Parklupdyk". A few of the other tracks suffer from not being so memorable and simultaneously not too different from the rest of the album, but quality nonetheless remains reasonably consistent. The band are quite adept at their craft, and the production - although somewhat odd - works sufficiently well. Auka Seniems Dievams is a disc that entirely deserves to be sought by those with a craving for a touch of the unusual in their music, especially if Viking-influenced Scandinavian bands are your thing. [7,5 / 10]
Ramon Claassen, / Voices From The Darkside webzine [Germany]: Heathen War Metal from Lithuania that gets even more interesting by the use of their mother language (I don't tink it's Russian what they speak in Lithuania nowadays, but I wouldn't bet my ass on that). The fact that they don't use real extreme vocals supports this effect. Actually, the singer reminds me a bit of MOONSPELL. As I already mentioned, the music OBTEST are playing is rather melodic Pagan Black Metal. But apart from their language I wouldn't consider OBTEST to be that exotic. "Auka Seniems Dievams" therefore is "just" a strong album within the borders of this genre, maybe a little more kick ass than other recordings. So I'd go for it, but if you can track down a copy of the limited vinyl version: there is one bonus track on it! By the way, label and band are looking for distributors and gig promoters. Contact: www.obtest.lt
Satpal Kalsi, Terrorizer magazine / Friend Of Devils website [England]: It's a good omen for the band's abilities that, without any info, we can conclude that Obtest are heritage obsessed, pagan black metallers. Such is the strengths of their folk inspired melodies, the battle cry vocals, and the blistering metallic attacks no one should be left in any doubt of this band's intentions. Whether you agree with their pre-Christian Lithuanian Nationalism is another thing but as entertainment, this could end up being one of the most memorable and invigorating black metal releases this year. For fans of Enslaved, Einherjer and Darkthrone- which means all of you. [8/10]
Scribe, Metalland website [France]: La sc?ne lituanienne existe bel et bien, malgré sa popularité tr?s limitée dans notre beau pays. Originaire de ce pays balte, OBTEST nous livre avec "Auka" un bon album de Thrash (pour les vocaux) mélangé ? du Heavy (pour les rythmiques). Les 8 titres de cet album se laissent écouter, malgré une production qui ne rend pas honneur au talent des musiciens, notamment gr?ce ? des riffs entra?nants et un chant soutenu, quoiqu'un peu limite parfois. Les petits gars d'OBTEST ont un bon potentiel pour se faire conna?tre chez nous, reste ? confirmer avec leur prochain album, qui bénéficiera d'une meilleure production je l'esp?re!
Sebastian Hamm, Noize webmagazine [Germany]: I was very astonished when listening to this well done folk-black-metal release (that“s the best way to describe the bands sound, I guess). Obtest do come from Lithuania (!) and to me seem really full of inspiration and the will to develop something new. Their second full-time release " Auka Seniems Dievams " (the first one for Ledo Takas Records ) is somehow a conglomerate of traditional black metal (some pretty fast tunes, but mostly cool mid-tempo orientated material) as well as some heavy/power metal influences (I sometimes felt reminded of Hammerfall or Manowar because of the slow battle sound elements). Obtest “s lyrics are all inspired by the history of the lithuanian people and its wars during the past centuries. That results in all songs being sung in the lithuanian language, which to me sounds pretty raw and is definitely worth a listen because it is something very new for most listeners I guess. The whole impression is rounded up by pretty cool chorus voices that let songs like "Anapus Nemuno" or "Priesa Parklupdyk" appear very smooth and catchy. I am very proud on our metal brothers in Lithuania because of their effort to create something new... and I think they succeeded. Ok, this is no 100 000 $ production out of the Abyss Studios, but there is a well done sound on " Auka Seniems Dievams " which is really outstanding for underground black metal... and in the end it is really special! [8 / 10]
Steven Cannon, Vibrations of Doom webzine [USA]: WOW! Lithuanian metal, well, it sounds at times like black metal with a singer that sings on the low end, where it seems like he's almost growling. This is some great stuff, and the instrumentation is superb. Very powerful, in your face metal, one of the catchiest tunes here is the title track, one I have been singing for quite some time now. The nice thing about this, even though they sing in their native tongue, is the English translation right next to the Lithaunian lyrics. These songs are ones that actually sound better in the band's native tongue, especially since it gives it that heavy feeling. The rapid fire vocal delivery on songs like 'Svarbiausias Musis' and 'Kruvinos Pasvaistes' really adds to the black metal feeling than anything else, though it's really all in the instrumentation. There were only a few gripes here, one was with the song 'Anapus Nemuno,' which was a bit TOO much with the fast vocal delivery coupled with minimal instrumentation, though it does pick up towards the end. The other was with some of the monotone choruses on 'Eime Su Mumis,' though these are really minor points. Check out the way they craft interesting instrumentation and combine it with a heavy vocal style, those high ended guitar parts really shine here!
Tombstone webzine [Greece]: A band from Lithuania playing war metal with influences from black metal. This is their second full length album after releasing several demos and mini CDs. They are a talented band and the album is actually good, but is plagued by the bad production curse that seems to plague most underground productions. Their songs are mostly good and I especially liked the fact that they copy no one and they have their own style. Of course there's still room to develop their style and evolve further, but that's something that can be achieved through hard work. The talent is present and the album is not bad at all. The production could be a bit better since it is not very loud, but at least the music is clear enough and you can hear more than simply noise. If you like war metal and black metal, then give them a chance. They have a different approach than most bands around and their music is interesting the least to say. For more info check out www.obtest.lt. [7/10]
Ville Sorvali, Inferno magazine [Finland]: The Lithuanian Obtest has a functional concept: heathenish and warlike heavy metal. The idea might not be their own, but realized with the adequate professionalism and honesty they possess, it deserves to be noticed. The music is built on catchy melodies, ripping riffing, heroic vigour and all in all some really good vibes. The foundation is amazingly simple and the production is weak, but the tight musicianship and the clever structuring of the songs keep Obtest well above all mediocrities. The heavy influence of folk music, together with the harsh voice of the singer, supports the emotional arrangements, and there are some bonus points to give away because of the lyrics, which are true warrior poetry in the band's native language. As the four warriors on the cover insist on saying: this album is a way into the very heart of Baltic national romanticism. Priesa parklupdyk! [8 / 10]
Yury Arkadin, Erebus webzine / Unrestrained magazine [USA]: Auka Seniems Dievams is the second CD by Lithuania 's resident Obtest, and the band have existed for about 10 years now. I have not heard any of their prior recordings, [or] all of the numerous demos they produced since their inception, so this release is my first real sample of the band, the sole meter to judge by. And, I must say, what Obtest have accomplished here is not something to just breeze by, give a nod to, and walk away to the next point of interest. The tracks, which range from 4 years old to those penned only in the last year, have a distinguished quality about them, both in execution and in content. Incapable of really adhering to the orthodoxy of a staple sound - this is not really black metal, it is far away from death metal, nor is it mere heavy or traditional metal - the best way to characterize Obtest is... war metal. Yes. Peg ideology into the notch and you have 'Heathen War Metal'. To my ears, the unsophisticated catchiness of the material, the occasional speed, and the heroic, inciting vocals of the lead singer make it a good argument for black metal influenced heavy metal. But what do all these word games really amount to in the end? Nothing. The feeling of Auka Seniems Dievams is seldom dark or oppressive. It is rather an upbeat, victorious ride through unconquered territory. On occasion, you spot a threatening and dangerous area in the road, or a path into a dark, strange forest, but once you enter, the mystery at once vanishes, and the fight begins anew. This is very much a combative record in spirit, and it breathes a certain arrogance and pride, I think, that might make it inaccessible to certain people. However, what is sure is that, despite the very conventional song-writing, there is a very strong pulse to this material. It lashes out and jumps around, ducks and parries wherever it has to, and still manages to defeat the enemy toward the end. In fact, the entire CD has a feel to it of a journey to victory, a procession starting from the eerie ardency of "Is Sirdies" (From the Heart), to the valorous and unspoken march of Vardan... (In The Name...). In the middle of this is an extensive program of melodic and spirited bravado, with the odd taste of 'passive deliberation'.
Interviews: Behind The Veil webzine [Greece]
Radio airplay: Ajchyna radio - Iron Age show [Belarus]
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