Hibernaut just released their 2nd album, Obsidian Eye. Not only does it dominate with a relentless groove like the bastard son of Sleep and Celtic Frost, but it apparently has mystical healing powers as well.
The Mystical Healing Powers of Hibernaut- Obsidian Eye
You see, I’ve been battling a nasty upper respiratory infection that’s kicking my effing ass. I can’t breathe, and when I do, I cough. I can’t really do anything besides watch YouTube or listen to music. So I put Obsidian Eye on for another spin, and my damn sinuses drained. I’m not kidding. It could be my instant adrenaline-pumped reaction, I admit it. But either way, Hibernaut clears my congestion faster than downing a Carolina Reaper.
I covered Hibernaut’s first album two years ago on Clean and Sober Stoner, which you can read here. Since then, Hibernaut has doubled down on the intensity, which I didn’t think was possible. They still remind me (a lot) of mid-career Celtic Frost, but they’ve added a heavy dose of early-career High on Fire as well. It’s all in the pulsing 3/4 time signatures and the rhythm section that has it locked down- tight!
The vocals remain slightly harsh and guttural, which adds to the whole Celtic Frost vibe. I keep expecting an occasional “ooooo” to punctuate the verses.
But as I’ve come to expect from Hibernaut, it’s the guitar work that steals the show. Dave Jones and Matt Miller are crafting an insanely effective one-two punch of 6-string awesomeness. And while there are tons of effects at play, they don’t simply use them to enhance the sound. These guys know how to play a pedal like it’s a separate instrument, very much like Lori S. from Acid King does with her fuzz.
So far, Obsidian Eye is looking like an easy #1 on my Doom Charts for July. This also puts Hibernaut in the running for Album of the Year as we tumble into the second half of 2025. I’m not kidding about the physical effect this album has on me. Full disclosure: Obsidian Eye might be too intense for the casual listener. Each of the album’s 6 songs flows together seamlessly, and without a break. Which means there’s no respite, no chance to breathe between each onslaught of Stoned-Out Metal.
Anyway, I’m feeling ill again. Time for another dose…
Solid review, man.