By: Dr Matt Warnock
Into the Night is an intense, metal thrill-ride by Florida based melodic metal band Oblivious Signal. Founding member, and lead guitarist, Nick Orisino, alongside vocalist Christina Feliciano and have been busy building their reputation as one of Florida’s top metal bands since releasing their debut demo record in 2008.
With the addition of drummer Dan Hammler, the band is hitting their stride as they build on their initial successes and make a push for national and international recognition.
The album is a limited printing release that will be available on iTunes and online until this fall, when the band plans to release their next full-length studio album.
Though other groups have done similar pressings, mostly a marketing ploy or to buy time while they figure out what to do next, this record is a heartfelt collection of some of the bands best known and new material. If there was any doubt about the band’s intention with this record, it’s fully erased after the opening bars of “Breathe,” which kicks off the album.
Though the whole band plays well on the record, it is vocalist Feliciano and guitarist Orisino that steal the show. Songs like “City in Flames” and “These Eyes” have an epic quality to them that draws the listener in, not letting go until the final notes have floated into the ether. Feliciano’s lyrics tell stories, not bubble-gum pop stories of love lost, the lyrics are well written, full of imagery that connect to the audience in a way that is rare in today’s metal scene.
Orisino’s guitar work is tight throughout the record. Whether he’s laying down a thrash metal groove, “Death Becomes My Friend,” or grooving on a more mellow vibe, “What Drowns Out the Screams,” there is an energy to his playing that perfectly compliments the vocals. He’s busy enough to drive the song forward, but never gets in the way of the vocal line. Orisino is obviously a talented guitarist and his playing on this record reflects that.
Into the Night is a solid outing from Oblivious Signal. Though it’s only available for a limited time, those who are lucky enough to get it will find it only whets their chops for the band’s next full-length record later this year.
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