Absu by Absu
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Release date : February 2009
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Background information
Review
Background information
In mid November 2007, it was announced that Plano, Texas' Absu had inked a record contract with Candlelight Records. As a result of musical and personal differences, it was disclosed during mid March 2008 that guitarist Vastator Terrarum had left the group's ranks. To replace Terrarum, guitarist / keyboardist Zawicizuz (ex-Rape, Pillage & Burn / Infernal Oak) was recruited. In April, Absu entered Nomad Recording Studio to begin cutting the outfit's sixth studio album. Engineered by Absu with mixing assistance from J. T. Longoria (who's worked with such acts as King Diamond, and Solitude Aeternus), the eponymous work features artwork from Belgian artist Kris Verwimp. Mastering, meanwhile, was handled by vocalist Proscriptor McGovern at the man's studio, Tarot Productions. A whole raft of musicians make guest appearances, including; Ashmedi (Melechesh), Blasphemer (ex-Mayhem / Ava Inferi), Equitant (ex-Absu / Equitant), David Harbour (ex-King Diamond / David Harbour), Micheal Harris (Darkology / Michael Harris), Mindwalker (The Firstborn), Nornagest (Enthroned), and Vorskaath (Zemial).
During late October, bassist / co-vocalist Ezezu (ex-Panzram) was unveiled as an addition to Absu's lineup. In late January 2009, the track “Girra's Temple” was made available for streaming via Absu's official MySpace page.
Review
Mythological Occult Metal fans can rejoice. Following a near decade long absence, the godfathers of the genre have returned with a new, eponymously titled, album. Well, somewhat. Absu, eight years later, is led by Proscriptor McGovern, the lineup featuring him alongside brand new members, members who are yet more additions to the group's impressive alumni list. Still focusing their art upon the ideas behind Sumerian / Mesopotamian / Celtic mythology, Goetic / Chaos / Enochain Magic (k), Thelemic Mysticism, Metaphysics, Necromancy and Barbarism, Absu's 2009 version is surprisingly similar to the group's early new millennium lineup. In this reviewer's opinion, this is a very good thing. Between Absu and Tara (2001), the main difference happens to be production values. Absu have issued some fairly clunky works in their time, particularly during the mid-nineties, so Candlelight Records seem to have brought out the best in the group.
“Between the Absu of Eridu & Erech” inaugurates Absu, meeting expectations like a jackhammer to the face. The death march vibe which arrives midway into the track is irrefutably outstanding, and quickly separates Absu from other similar acts. In this reviewer's opinion, Absu's material was always hit and miss. From the very beginning of this specific record, Absu solidly proclaim that this isn't simply a rebirth, but a glorious rebirth. “Night Fire Canonization”, “Magic(k) Square Cipher”, “Girra’s Temple”, “13 Globes”, and “Sceptre Command” all maintain a pacier element, and this consequently promotes a whirlwind vibe which, within the album, emotionally sweeps you away.
As with any Absu album, the genuinely weightier material lies within the more atmospheric compositions. Atmospherically speaking, “... Of the Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are the Attendance of Familiar Spirits... Including: A.) Diversified Signs Inscribed B.) Our Earth of Black C.) Voor” is Absu's prime focus. Wildly time consuming, the track is unquestionably worth the effort required to absorb it. From Thrash riffs to emotionally charged guitar solos to a wellspring of dark atmosphere, this mini-epic pretty much sets the bar as far as this type of music is concerned. Easily Absu's greatest songwriting to date, the track would've likely worked well as a stand alone mini-album.
Generally speaking, Absu have achieved greater than reviving themselves. In a sea of popular, cult-favorite reunited groups, Absu have penned something new which was worth the wait, and is worthy of their namesake. Featuring virtually no posturing, Absu operates to its full potential like a well-oiled machine. Upon this eponymous album, Absu delivers in spades, and give fans hope that the group will finally be recognised beyond the small market they've traditionally dwelled within.
