Absu - Absu (Candlelight Records) - Back
Eight years ago, Absu released their last album “Tara” a raw and visceral platter of blackend thrash that created quite a buzz in the underground at the time. Sadly, the band folded before having a chance to capitalize on the positive feedback that “Tara” generated. This year’s self titled Absu album is the result of drummer/vocalist Proscriptor McGovern’s decision to resurrect the band with a completely overhauled line up. Of course Proscriptor was the most prominent member of the band during their first run, but he was never the primary song writer, making it hard not to wonder what eight years and the loss of important contributors would do to the band's fairly unique sound.

Thankfully, this album is remarkably true to the established Absu sound. Riff wise, this is a split between black metal and thrash. From an attitude and feel standpoint Absu is nearly 100% black metal. Fast and razor sharp Absu blast through these thirteen tracks with reckless abandon. Absu are a band who forever seem to be moving forward, rarely taking the time to reprise riffs or dwell on choruses. Of course there are hooks aplenty for the patient listener to find, but on the surface Absu’s sound is a maelstrom of frantic riffs whipping around Proscriptor’s precise yet furious drumming. Proscriptor's lyrics are a complex and interesting read focusing on ancient rites and the occult. These are spit forth with a hearty venomous rasp that suits the music very well.

Absu’s self-titled album is a fine return for the band and fits in very nicely with the rest of their catalogue. This album could have been released a year after “Tara” and nobody would have blinked. This is truly remarkable considering the long lay off and loss of the band’s primary songwriter. I can confidently recommend this album to fans of black metal, thrash and even death metal. Anybody who enjoys the more extreme side of metal should find something worthwhile here.

Rating: 87

Reviewed By: Garett F.