Absu
In The Eyes of Ioldánach
[Osmose]
4 tracks, 17:35
Absu is one of those bands that have gotten more retro with age. "Barathrum V.I.T.R.I.O.L." was fairly standard Black/Death, but with every following release the old-school speed/thrash elements took over. Personally I didn't like "The Sun of Tiphareth" much, it was bland, uninteresting and flew by without leaving any lasting impression. This MCD however kicks serious ass, plain and simple. Fiercely played real Metal, sounding like Slayer on speed. This short MCD is overflowing with adrenaline: cool riffs, frantic and varied drumming, chaotic Slayer-esque solos, pissed-off screamed vocals and a razor sharp sound all form a highly enjoyable disc. I've seen Absu live three years ago and was impressed by the energetic playing - they've managed to capture this spirit in the studio here. The only negative point of the MCD would be the last song, "Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle", which origin dates back to the "The Sun of Tiphareth" sessions and was released on Osmose's "World Domination 1" compilation in its original incarnation. On "In The Eyes of Ioldánach" it's rerecorded (in the same session as the other songs, so it seems) giving it more punch, but still it's a mediocre song and sounds a tad out of place.
In conclusion, this comes recommended. Old-school Metal with balls and attitude, short enough to have the full impact it needs. It's not one of those few monumental releases worth robbing pensioners in broad daylight for, but if you see this lying around, pick it up.
© 2000 sybren
Absu is one of those bands that have gotten more retro with age. "Barathrum V.I.T.R.I.O.L." was fairly standard Black/Death, but with every following release the old-school speed/thrash elements took over. Personally I didn't like "The Sun of Tiphareth" much, it was bland, uninteresting and flew by without leaving any lasting impression. This MCD however kicks serious ass, plain and simple. Fiercely played real Metal, sounding like Slayer on speed. This short MCD is overflowing with adrenaline: cool riffs, frantic and varied drumming, chaotic Slayer-esque solos, pissed-off screamed vocals and a razor sharp sound all form a highly enjoyable disc. I've seen Absu live three years ago and was impressed by the energetic playing - they've managed to capture this spirit in the studio here. The only negative point of the MCD would be the last song, "Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle", which origin dates back to the "The Sun of Tiphareth" sessions and was released on Osmose's "World Domination 1" compilation in its original incarnation. On "In The Eyes of Ioldánach" it's rerecorded (in the same session as the other songs, so it seems) giving it more punch, but still it's a mediocre song and sounds a tad out of place.
In conclusion, this comes recommended. Old-school Metal with balls and attitude, short enough to have the full impact it needs. It's not one of those few monumental releases worth robbing pensioners in broad daylight for, but if you see this lying around, pick it up.
© 2000 sybren