Always exciting when a band reunites after decades. This time it is OAK COFFIN, originally formed back in 1995 and already called the quits three demos and few years later. But last year the trio from New Jersey, United States of America, reunited and the opener ‘My Fire’ already teaches the listener a lesson about melodic Black / Death Metal. Sadly that Swedish label No Fashion Records no longer exists, because OAK COFFIN would fit well into the label’s roster. Especially this atmosphere, underlined by aggressive vocals and melodic guitar leads, which can be described as sinister, gloomy, sometimes cold, sometimes epic but always very emotionally intense. Alone the album title “The Obsidian Ritual” sounds more promising than most of the releases nowadays. As the album progresses, the songs become at some moments too technical, at least for my ears, which is detrimental to the atmosphere. But luckily the band always quickly finds its way back to the left hand path. After just under thirty minutes, it’s over, which, on the one hand, is a shame given the great quality of the songs. On the other hand, there are no superfluous songs or elements here that artificially extend the playing time for the sake of its own sake. And even if No Fashion Records is no longer around, there is still hope, because Iron, Blood And Death Corporation is not an unknown label either. Hopefully we do not have to wait another thirty years for the next full-length. Get your dose of melodic Black / Death Metal by visiting http://oakcoffin.bandcamp.com or www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563068500501