Black Wizard
Livin’ Oblivion
(Listenable Records)
4.5/5
Vancouver doom metal/stoner rock band Black Wizard’s fourth album Livin’ Oblivion is one hell of a raw and honest journey from start to finish. At times, it’s not as heavy as its predecessor, 2016’s New Waste, but its diversity pays off.
Eugene Parkomenko’s hearty drum work on opener “Two of These Nights” grounds the band; elsewhere, there are parts in “Cascadia” that border on quiet, until the song progresses beautifully into the heavier riffs. “Cascadia” is followed up with “Portraits,” which is a nice change of pace, with its traces of speed metal. “Feast or Famine” is a beast of a triumph, keeping the listener’s mood and pulse up on these dull winter days.
It would have been nice to see more versatility from vocalist Adam Grant, but he brings fierce hostility to the table on this album, and he does it well.
Whether stoner, speed, doom, or death metal is your poison, I can almost guarantee there are memorable moments to be listened to again and again on Livin’ Oblivion.