Am I really reviewing two black metal releases in two days? What on earth is becoming of me? Granted, today’s album in review isn’t just any ordinary “black metal release”. No, today’s album signifies the return of one of America’s most sacred black metal dynasties, Absu. It’s been a decade since their last release, Abzu; a decade that was largely filled with turmoil and inactivity. This lead to longtime drummer/vocalist/visionary Proscriptor McGovern and bassist/vocalist Ezezû splintering from guitarist Vis Crom and forming a new incarnation: Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû.
The name and lineup may be different, but the mission remains the same. Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû specializes in mythological and occult themed lyrics, which by my own admission are largely out of my realm of comprehension. That’s why I leave it to McGovern, in his never ending quest for forbidden knowledge, to set these lyrics to a backdrop of arcane blackened thrash. Joining he and Ezezû on this self titled debut release is guitarist Vaggreaz (also of Possessed and Gruesome) and keyboardist Vorskaath. Together, the quartet keeps the Absu torch not only lit, but burning brighter and more intense than ever.
The first thing I noticed about Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû is its over the top musicianship. Absu always had a technical side to them, but on this release, these elements take centerstage on more than one occasion. “Amenta: Accelerando: Azyn Including Hierophantasmal Expounder” (Damn, that was a mouthful) borders on the avant-garde, while “Esoterically Excoriating the Exoteric” recalls the precise tech thrash of Coroner. “In-Betweeness Gateway Commuters” is an array of dissonant chords, spastic time changes, and all out chaos, and “Tantrums of Azag-Kkû” is indeed a musical tantrum of ambitious prog and breakneck blackened thrash.
Fear not my fellow metal purists! For all of this album’s progressive leanings and technical flash, blackened thrash remains the backbone of Absu’s sound. When the emphasize the blackened side of things, the band creates an evil, foreboding, and all out chaotic atmosphere characteristic of their lyrical content (i.e. “Quasaric Pestilence”, “Jupiter in Capricornus”, “Every Watchtower Within is the Axis of a Watchtower Without including Totemic Thresholds”). And when they emphasize the thrash side of things, they lay down some nasty, old school, retro riffage reminiscent of Hell Awaits era Slayer, Kreator, and Sodom (i.e. “Caliginous Whorl”, “Prana: Therion: Akaha”). The guitar work throughout is ferocious from beginning to end. Meanwhile, McGovern’s infernal vocals, eerie lyricism, and insane drumming remain a force to be reckoned with.
Although Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû isn’t as strong as past Absu releases (Nothing will touch Tara), it’s a compelling introduction to a new chapter in the band’s mythos; a chapter that expands upon the old without merely rehashing it. Yes, just as Triptykon is the creative and spiritual extension of Celtic Frost, Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû is the same for Absu. So let us all proclaim: Absu is dead! Long live Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû!
7 out of 10
Label: Agonia Records
Genre: Black/Thrash Metal
For fans of: Absu, Mongrel’s Cross, Coroner