Absu - Absu

Who would ever have guessed, ten years ago, that a Black-Metal band from Texas called Absu, whose premier source of inspiration resided on Celtic mythology would grow to become one of the most respectable acts within extreme music mostly on the strength of holding tenaciously to a vitriolic and idiosyncratic musical style.
Though I had never fully grasped the chaotic nature of their old-school approach to Black and Thrash-Metal, I do recognise value in their savage and intriguing musical vision, especially on their “Tara” album which to this day is touted as the band’s seminal work.
Well, eight long years have elapsed since “Tara” and during that time a lot has happened to the Texan tyrants, main-man Proscriptor McGovern shattered his wrist, played with Melechesh during six years, auditioned for a drum spot in Slayer and have seen members Equitant, Shaftiel and Kashshapxu gradually stepping aside from the group.
Now with all these obstacles surpassed, Proscriptor have surrounded himself with a revamped line-up that includes new guitarists Zawicizuz and Aethryis McKay and new bassist Ezezu to create an album that somewhat follows the furrow ploughed by the band on their previous work, which could be described as a breakneck and intriguing Blackened Thrash Metal assault.
Sure enough, when “Between The Absu Of Eridu & Erech” erupts from the speakers, it’s quite obvious that we aren't in for a smooth ride, its highly energetic speed-thrash impetus with some symphonic traits sets the tone that predominates throughout most of the remaining album. There’s a ravaging storm of razor-sharp Thrash-influenced riffs and some incredibly fast and thunderous drumming gushing from practically every song of “Absu”. Just check out the skull-crushing barbarity that Absu unfolds on “Sceptre Command” for further evidence.
However, the new album isn't all merciless savagery as there are moments scattered throughout the album where the band delves into a more experimental song-craft with some progressive leanings. Especially on the haunting and macabre “…Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of Familiar Spirits…” and the symphonic “Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter”.
Essentially, Proscriptor and his cohorts have further cemented their reputation as one of the most intricate and fast Black/Thrash-Metal acts around with their new album and I’m pretty sure “Absu” won’t disappoint anyone familiarized with the band’s ferocious onslaught. (8/10)

Band info: www.myspace.com/absu
Label info: www.candlelightrecords.co.uk