Ofnus to release "Valediction"
- Jason Hesley
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
From a place of certainty and strength, I was suddenly thrown into chaos and confusion. My understanding of happiness and truth was shattered, and I realized I had known nothing about sadness or pain. I had walked in ignorance but now was falling through darkness, struggling to comprehend the overwhelming agony consuming me.
Following the success of their debut album, Time Held Me Grey And Dying, Wales' Ofnus has returned with Valediction, a deeply ambitious extreme metal album that explores the journey through grief. The opening track, ‘The Shattering’, starts a harrowing experience filled with both musical brilliance and poignant emotion. The music captures the chaos of shattered lives, while melodic guitar work provides reflective moments amidst the turmoil. As the album progresses, traditional black metal elements are creatively transformed into breathtaking compositions.
The song ‘Proteus’ showcases the highs and lows of emotions, depicting the pain of bargaining with forces beyond our control. As it concludes, the essence of tragedy becomes evident, while ‘Zenith Dolour’ delves into deep despair, reflecting various shades of sadness through sound contrasts. The title track, Valediction, presents a beautiful acceptance of the past, symbolizing the hope of a new future. However, the album also includes an alternate ending in ‘Alazia’, which emphasizes that some may never find peace, remaining trapped in anger and darkness.
Since the release of their debut, Ofnus has played alongside various notable bands and continues to evolve. The sound achieved in Valediction is impressive, capturing its emotional layers and textures. With striking artwork by Ben J, the album is set to release on February 28th, and it is clear that Ofnus is poised for significant success in the black metal realm.
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