OBSCURA

Germany-based progressive metal titans OBSCURA return with A Sonication, the highly anticipated second installment of their ambitious trilogy concept, out today via Nuclear Blast Records worldwide. This marks the band’s seventh full-length release and their second with Nuclear Blast, showcasing a bold evolution in sound while staying true to their signature complexity and innovation. Elegant yet commanding, A Sonication seamlessly bridges OBSCURA’s past and future, capturing their relentless pursuit of musical progression. Written and recorded during extensive worldwide touring in support of their previous album, A Valediction, the new record was finalized with award-winning producer Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman (In Flames, Bring Me The Horizon, Architects) in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the instrumental tracks completed, frontman Steffen Kummerer finished vocals and acoustic guitar sections using custom-built ENGL amps, while Nordström helmed the mixing and mastering process. The result is a heavier yet brighter sonic landscape, underscoring OBSCURA’s commitment to refinement and expansion. Lyrically, A Sonication delves into layered meanings and interpretations. The title itself—derived from the process of using sound waves to agitate particles—offers a multifaceted perspective, blending scientific principles with philosophical introspection. Each composition embodies a personal episode from Kummerer’s life, further connecting the album to A Valediction as part of the ongoing trilogy. To visualize the album’s theme, acclaimed artist Eliran Kantor (Testament, Kreator, Hatebreed) was enlisted, crafting a silver-toned aesthetic that seamlessly complements OBSCURA’s sonic and visual identity. To mark the release of A Sonication, OBSCURA unveils the official music video for ‘In Solitude,’ offering fans a first glimpse into the album’s immersive world.