Crobot’s latest, Obsidian, aggressively drags us into the deep, swirling waters of the human psyche through an exploration of ancient myths intertwined with personal demons. The Pennsylvania riff-lords have taken a darker, heavier turn on this new beast of an album, which was recorded at The Machine Shop Studios in Austin, Texas. It’s a band reborn, locked in a battle with something lurking in the shadows, all set against an unyielding backdrop of thundering riffs and relentless rhythms.

“Obsidian is probably our most inward-looking album yet,” says guitarist Chris Bishop. “As we started demoing, the music pushed more into a heavier, darker, and more metal direction. Tracks like ‘Come Down’ showcase this shift - it’s one of the heaviest songs we’ve ever done. Our drummer, Dan Ryan, who brought the track to us, really brought that Alice In Chains energy, and we didn’t try to stifle it. It’s a natural evolution for us.”

The album’s lore revolves around a mystical experience lead vocalist Brandon Yeagley had while doing yoga in the woods, where he discovered a baseball-sized piece of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass. That surreal moment became the catalyst for the record. “I know it sounds a bit woo-woo, but it felt like the universe was leading me to this moment,” Yeagley recalls. That sense of mysticism is woven into the album’s DNA, from the lyrics to the pounding pulse that drive each track. Even with that experience, the title track wasn’t an easy song to nail down. Bishop admits it went through countless versions before they brought in metal legend Howard Jones (formerly of Killswitch Engage, now with Light The Torch) to help bring it to life. “Howard came in with ideas that were perfect for the track,” Bishop explains. “Brandon put his spin on Howard’s melodies, and suddenly, we had a song that encapsulated the entire vibe of the record.”

Lyrically, Obsidian doesn’t shy away from confronting personal struggles. While Crobot’s songwriting often leans into ambiguity, this album pulls from very real, very personal experiences. “Each song descends into the darker reaches of the psyche,” says Bishop. “We’re talking about internal conflicts and reflections - stuff that can either break you or rebuild you.” Yeagley agrees, “Obsidian symbolizes a rebirth for us. Conflicts, reflections - they make you a better person, even in those darker moments. This album has been a breath of fresh air for us, creatively and personally.” With Obsidian, Crobot proves they’re not just here to riff, they’re got something to say, and they’re taking us with them on this twisted, heavy trip.