EP REVIEW: Seasons: Vol. 1 – Blessed Black
Cincinnati natives BLESSED BLACK have gone through a tumultuous period over the last few years. After releasing their crushing debut EP Beyond The Crimson Throne in 2020 and bluesy, riff-heavy single La Brea in 2021, guitarist Chris Emerson left the band and after existing as a trio for a few months the group brought in their good friend Jake Stone as their new guitarist. Having gone through plenty of change, BLESSED BLACK have unleashed the first in a series of EPs (planned across 2023 and 2024) that tackles love, loss and everything in between.
With lashings of 1970s inspired organs, chunky, bluesy riffs and deeply emotive lyrics, Seasons: Vol. 1 shows BLESSED BLACK in a remarkably vulnerable light. Across the three tracks Joshua Murphy (vocals, guitar) tells us stories of heart-breaking loss and grief, supported by the heavy riffs that the band are proficient in to make Seasons: Vol. 1 a powerful EP that seeks to penetrate your soul.
Strongly influenced by bands such as BLACK SABBATH, GRAVEYARD and TROUBLE, the Ohio quartet know how to write strong, anthemic riffs. Hellbender opens up with a poignant quote from Alan Watts before launching into a bombastic rock riff. The song itself charts a conversation Murphy had with his father who was dying of cancer, with its main focus being on how temporary life can be and how easy it is to lose sight of the important things. Obsidian explores the process of self-rediscovery after going through traumatic experiences, while closer Unable channels the emotions of watching friends and loved ones succumb to addiction.
This emotionally charged EP sees BLESSED BLACK return strongly, accompanied by a new passion to embrace change with their signature brand of heavy duty riffs. Seeing this more vulnerable side gives their music a raw edge and emotional depth that everyone will be able to relate to in one way or another.
Rating: 8/10
Seasons: Vol. 1 is set for release on September 1st via self-release.
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