Black Metal, what is / was it, where did it come from and where did it go? All interesting questions many have tried to answer, both in writing and with music. I’ll not try to answer such questions in this review, though merely conclude that the Italian duo OBSCURA AMENTIA is Black Metal, a somewhat pure second wave form of it. The female fronted two man band do not let the Scandinavian melodic tradition for cold and blazing Black Metal much left to wish for. Atmospherically this is ace, the grey melancholy that haunts this album all the through is immense and captivating, it is like the lead guitar is weeping most of the time, quite catching with its melodies and driving force. The vocals is yet a driving force on this album, a fierce and piercing scream that can be felt through bone and marrow. That said, "Ritual" doesn’t offer much new to the platter, it is well executed Black Metal rooted in the Scandinavian scene anno mid- to late 90s, so it has been heard once or twice before, both better than this, though also a lot worse. An edible Black Metal album for a bleak and rainy April day, though the day that OBSCURA AMENTIA finds a bit more identity and programs the drum machine (I assume) a tad more exciting or finds a good drummer, they’ll have a lot more to offer, as the basics are present. www.obscuraamentia.com, www.myspace.com/officialobscuramentia, www.reverbnation.com/officialobscuramentia, www.facebook.com/pages/Obscura-Amentia/110818908973840,