BYZANTINE’S OBLIVION BECKONS — ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2008?

So this weekend I listened to Byzantine’s excellent album Oblivion Beckons — which came out on January 22 of this year, four days before the band broke up — and then when it finished, I listened to it again. It’s that good. Since reviewing the record in early March, this album has really grown on me — not that I didn’t like it then, because my review was certainly favorable — but holy fuck, Oblivion Beckons is one monster of an album that isn’t getting nearly the recognition it deserves.

Guys: PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ALBUM. I was raving about it to Frank @ Metal Injection on Friday, and to Axl the next day. No one seems to give it the time of day most likely because the band broke up so soon after its release.

Byzantine is like a proggier, smarter Lamb of God — it’s got the same groove metal aspect, but it’s more dense and more dynamic. Think what would happen if Lamb of God drew Opeth as an influence over Pantera, and you’ve nailed it. Best of all, there’s nary a trace of metalcore. I literally cannot get enough of this album right now.

Take a listen to “Centurion” on their MySpace page, but please note that the first several songs posted there are older material which I don’t think is quite as good as the new stuff.

-VN