This is the first artist on the Scarlet label that I've been truly impressed with. Aborym has a well planned attack that culminates in a myriad of fantastic riffing and balanced musical structures. To term them black metal would be somewhat of a constraint; although they definitely carve out a base in that genre, this band is highly experimental. Their rooted sound consists of tight and primal black metal, brilliantly melodic and without repeating every riff in the Mayhem/Emperor repertoire. The vocals range from a solid black style to the deeper gothic style, and even take on the elements of spoken word (as in "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus", an anti-Christian jingle wherein the vocalist croons in his native Italian above the angelic choir background). But where many bands will end here, Aborym prove their expansiveness by incorporating elements of EBM/Jungle, industrial, and breakbeat. "Tantra Bizarre" might be unique in the fact it's the first proper EBM/black metal crossover I've heard which moderates both ends of that spectrum without sacrificing either. "The First Four Trumpets" nearly induces trance with it's cosmic synths, lowly dredging guitars, consistent sultry chanting, and screaming white noise backdrop. Although this isn't for everyone, Aborym have certainly warranted my respect. Some of the black metal artists incorporating electronic elements in their music seem to be compromising on certain levels, but Aborym does so in a way that is both forward-thinking and essential (and last time I checked, THESE guys weren't up for a Norwegian Grammy.)

© 2000 pizarro