Candlelight Records is letting the extreme metal world that they mean business, releasing the stellar trio of new black metal CD's from Blut Aus Nord, Throne of Katarsis, and this self titled monster from the legendary Absu. Though this is the first release from the Texas based black metal veterans in many years, Absu sees the band returning with a vengeance, taking their 'mytholgical occult metal' to new heights, 13 tracks (including one three-part suite) of breathtaking metal, long on both ferocity and melody.
These guys habitate the more symphonic side of the black metal spectrum, as their songs are filled with sweeping keyboard soundscapes, layers of guitar riffs (and some pretty intelligent solos I might add), pummeling drum work, and a variety of vocal styles. Lyrics are based on Sumerian occult themes of magic and mythology, so expect a fascinating ride both musically and lyrically. Gotta love the complex interplay between the guitar, bass, and drums on "Nunbarshegunu", and the walls of orchestration on "Amy" is just gorgeously done. Remaining original member Proscriptor (drums/vocals) is in fine form throughout, his battery of double bass drum and blast beats on the rampaging "13 Globes" is simply mesmerizing, and his black metal growls, wails, and screams are extremely well done. Those into the more progressive leanings of the symphonic/atmospheric black metal style will love the three-part "…Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of Familiar Spirits…", which switches gears quite often from furious metal to a more proggy feel, complete with synth solos and plenty of atmosphere, or the killer "Magic(k) Square Cipher", a real complex piece that teeters towards prog-metal at times. Then again, if it's raging old school styled thrashy black metal you prefer, with tons of blast beats, fast tremelo picked guitar riffs, and gravelly vocal shrieks, then look no further than "In The Name Of Auebothiabathabaithobeuee" and "Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter".
Honestly, this one has it all, not only plenty for the loyal black metal crowd, but a healthy dollop of more technical, complex fare for the prog-metal faithful. There's an assortment of guests on the CD as well, including members of King Diamond, Mayhem, Melechesh, Firstborn, and Enthroned, so not only is this a first class set but there's also some All Star appearances as well. Hopefully Absu take these songs to the road in the very near future, and don't keep us waiting so long for a recorded follow-up.
Track Listing
01. Between The Absu Of Eridu & Erech
02. Night Fire Canonization
03. Amy
04. Nunbarshegunu
05. 13 Globes
06. …Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of Familiar Spirits…
A - Diversified Signs Inscribed
B - Our Earth Of Black
C - Voor
07. Magic(k) Square Cipher
08. In The Name Of Auebothiabathabaithobeuee
09. Girra's Temple
10. Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter
11. Sceptre Command
12. Ye Uttuku Spells
13. Twix Yesterday, The Day & The Morrow
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