Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 04:26 PM by Skylimit
Genre: Black / Doom
Country: Italy
Label: Terror From Hell Records
Year: 2015
Ahhh! The magnificent soul – crushing Beast is back! Abysmal Grief need no introductions. Their music speaks volumes. The Italians came, saw and conquered with their latest release “Strange Rites of Evil”.
Only a handful of bands are capable of guiding you into obscure darkness and leaving you there, unprotected, vulnerable against all kinds of evil, stripped of your human body. Abysmal Grief have a mastery in doing exactly that; or maybe more than that. I’ll leave this up to you.
“Strange Rites of Evil” is exactly what its title indicates: 48 minutes of transcendental meditation that leads to higher forms of mentality and the ability to face the darkness without fear. This vintage horror atmosphere that builds up constantly as the record progresses is characterized by brilliant, yet uncomplicated, compositions and emits a feeling of dedication to the genre stronger than anything else. The riffings are slow and super-heavy, almost stifling, as opposed to the majority of the solos, which have a faster approach. The entirety of the song structures is, as usual, considerably supported by keyboard melodies, arranged in a way that they resemble the sounds of an organ. The mingling of keyboards with the choir chants and the incredible guitar work provides us with an uncontrollable rash of bloodcurdling emotions. The drums follow and embrace tightly the compositions, adding epicness and ruggedness. Of course, inextricable part of Abysmal Grief’s intelligent musical rites is Necrothytus’ eerie vocals that expand from freaky screams and screeches to low and grandiloquent narrations. Nothing better than a massive theatrical performance presented so gracefully and well – adjusted, aye?
“Strange Rites of Evil” is a great start for someone who wants to dwell into Abysmal Grief’s madness, in case he hasn’t already. For those already familiar with the band, be prepared for yet another journey through the spiritual darkness. Abysmal Grief are still kicking us in the goolies. It’s an intense – gloomy piece of work you should lay your hands on asap.
Definite winners of the lot of highlights are the incredible album opener “Nomen Omen” and the album’s final track “Dressed in Black Cloaks”, a 14-minute opus.
4,5/6
