Abyssal - Denouement (2012)

Full Length, Independent / Self-released
January 2nd, 2012

Genre: Technical Death Metal/Black Metal
Region: UK

I suggest you wander over to The Living Doorway and thank JGD for unearthing this contorted beauty. Do it.

Abyssal are channeling Ulcerate and Deathspell Omega through an old school lens with Denouement, laying down a shadowy atmosphere with hints of brutal technicality and frightening dissonance without blatantly copying the aforementioned acts.

Twisted, obscure riffs are laced with a ashen atmosphere — at times technical like Gorguts with some taps and bends, occasionally peppered with chunky brutality, and at other moments more drawn out chords or temolos resembling atmospheric black metal; maybe even Blut Aus Nord or Ascension. The drumming is clear and rapid fire though a little out of place sometimes, not quite reaching Ulcerate's unmatched power and grace. The vocals are a mix of putrid roars and slithering whispered rasps hiding behind the instrumental disarray. It's all very seamless too, creative and filthy with quite a few surprises while managing to conjure some hugely addictive hooks amongst the seemingly haphazard blistering fury.

Definitely find time for this one if you enjoy bizarre death and black metal. Not only do these guys craft some disturbing black/death metal but they're kind enough to put this up for free on bandcamp for your listening/downloading pleasure. If you feel so inclined you can also pick up a physical copy over at their store to support them.

DOWNLOAD (Bandcamp)