No one wins a war. All the cruelty, suffering, and violence that happened from the endless greed to gain authority and power have long-term consequences, and it manifests from one generation to another. Artists who keep on shedding light to this reality plays a significant role in society. Mano Obsidian released his first solo EP capturing this depth with Fog Of War.
Hailing from Germany, he demonstrated his artistry through a mix between modern metal and hardcore, building this EP from scratch as he mixed and mastered every track, playing all the instruments by himself (except the solo from the first track). Tackling the war in Ukraine, the artist laid out different perspectives and here’s why it’s a must-listen.
There’s a sense of panic and restlessness right from the start with Intro, setting the tone for the whole EP as it gives way to the first track. World War III featuring Fabz Black Sculforge is a song heavy on striking percussion beats and tight guitar riffs. Other elements incorporated in the song such as sirens and recited words elevates the images described in the track. The point of view portrayed in the lyrics is from a person in the middle of the war, echoing explosions, shots, and fire.
Sinner 666 is a raw confession you don’t want to hear but forces itself to you. It’s the emotional turmoil and inner conflict of someone who experienced war, not as a hero but the one who was ordered to shoot missiles or fire rifles, a person who became a pawn of war. The track is booming with drums and stark guitar layers that perfectly echoes the aftermath of war in a psychological aspect, how it starts another war inside the mind of those who charged as part of the machinery, it’s the guilt and shame as a recurring lyric.
Grenades Will Fall maintains the same intensity with overpowering riffs and percussion beats, accompanied by Mano Obsidian’s fry screams and growls. Aside from its loudness, the words laid out in the song makes it unsettling. It’s singing a picture of war and the weight it passes on to people – it’s the sound of physical and emotional collapse from constant attempts to escape death.
The EP wraps up with Fog Of War, carrying a strong and thought-provoking message. The bold and cathartic vocals sit deep with the intensity and aggressiveness of the drums and guitar. It amplifies that war goes beyond damaged cities and numbered casualties, how it does not end the moment bombings or firings stop – it’s a lifetime fog that blurs one’s peace who witnessed it first hand.
This project being the first solo EP of Mano screams the artist he is, bold and definitely here not to play safe. Not only the tracks are mastered flawlessly, but the reality he chose to narrate and release is something I deeply appreciate. If you want music that opens eyes and minds, Fog Of War by Mano Obsidian is here to speak truth in a sonic way.
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