obzene and naoko - '999 (reimagined) single review

Obzene and Naoko’s collaborative single ‘999 (Reimagined)’ is a genre-bending heavy metal track that will give fans of the genre an intoxicating taste of the trance scene. 

The track is the second single released from an upcoming collaborative EP from Norwegian band Obzene and Norwegian duo Naoka. ‘999 (Reimagined)’ used only the stems of Naoka’s original track released in 2023 by the same name on the single 999_Clarity_Void, with the track being completely rewritten and remixed. 

naoko

Our introduction to the song with Naoko’s vocalists sweet and light, voice over the electronic droning and sparse beats in the opening of the song provide a sense of euphoria. that feeling is soon kicked into overdrive as Obzene enters the song with a roaring energy to provide a unknowingly craved depth to the soundscape. 

‘999 (Reimagined)’ feels deeply cinematic in the opening minute with a full sound that is sweeping and trance-like. The song showcases a wonderful mixture of that electronic droning, piercing lead guitar, growling rhythm guitar, and a steady, simple, hard-hitting drum beat.

Obzene’s lead singer Jorgen beautifully completes the difficult task of interrupting this beautiful cinematic scene without feeling out of place. 

obzene

The transition is purposefully jarring, abruptly ending the simple euphoria with a carnal rage that fulfils an ache you didn’t realise was there. It drives a sense of reality in the floating otherworldly feeling of the song. 

As the song comes to a close the two halves collide in an almost combative fashion, neither side softening or rising to the other, yet creating a harmony together. ‘999 (Reimagined)’ evokes an almost science-fiction imagery of two warring sides through their competing sounds and feelings, euphoria and anger, so closely linked yet so far apart. 

‘999 (Reimagined)’ is an instant favourite with its filthy guitar tone, entrancing synths, and groove-like rhythm. Hopefully, there is more of this caliber music to come from ongoing collaborations between Obzene and Naoko. 

rating 8/10