Review: “Recluse” by Observed

A Melodic Groove Death quintet hailing from Finland, Observed make their debut with “Recluse“, an affair recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered from start to finish by the band themselves in true DIY or DIE fashion. Thematically with this record at least, the band move along the axis between B-movie splatter and the darker sides of the human psyche, claiming that there is already more where this came from. So what have bassist Aatu Ahola, drummer Arttu Kataja, guitarists Olli Vanhatalo (Hate Circle) and Miika Haavisto alongside vocalist Juho Majaniemi gone and done?

The Finnish five piece begin to slice and dice with “I Persist“, a Blackened Death Metal cut of furious blast beats and atmospheric dissonance. Staccato riff brakes and Melodic Death Metal style lead licks are very well executed with impeccable musicianship so everything has the cutting edge of a chainsaw and the destructive power of an atomic bomb.

The Scandinavian roots rear their ugly head (in the best possible way) with a melancholically tinged introduction to “Distain“, something which resurfaces throughout the track. It’s permeated by some blood and thunder verses with shriller death growls like nails on a chalk board. They’re clean enough that you can hear every word of the lyrical narrative and caustic enough that they won’t earn a place in a choir at the altar of madness.

There is a mournful sense that runs through the veins of “Ungodly, Inhumane” despite its adrenaline fueled moments, the scream-a-chorus a deep and meaningful one. A tasteful warm solo is sublimely executed so as not to overpower the sentiment of the track with something too virtuoso while maintaining the dark energy perfectly.

There is a real stomp to “Spree of Misery” which is laced with pummeling rhythmic battery and intricate leads between skull crushing verses that are nothing short of savage. The tempo of the damned is set to headbanging speed, the distinctly Scandinavian approach paying homage to past masters but having more than enough life of its own.

Opening with a Technical Death Metal inspired riff with a tapping section title track “Recluse” instantly raises the hairs on the back of the neck while sending a chill down the spine even before the unholy vocal onslaught begins. Once it does the track becomes a violent delight of tidal wave like power, the groove laden bass line and potent drumming allowing the guitars to do some glorious things. A rich, melodic solo is like the finest of dark roast coffees on a day of mourning, the barbed riffs showing little sign of slowing down before the bitter end. All in all a fire cracker of an EP with plenty to offer, this should see them opening for bands like Orbit Culture if there is anything right in the world [8/10]

Track Listing

1. I Persist
2. Distain
3. Ungodly, Inhumane
4. Spree of Misery
5. Recluse

“Recluse” by Observed is out 15th May 2026