DEMO REVIEW: Abysmalist – Reflections Of Horror

The debut demo from ABYSMALIST is here, offering some pure old school Death Metal morbidity. Set for release via Caligari Records on August 23rd.

Setting off with a solitary creepy bell chime before grinding guitars overlap an old school drum style that is more snapping rather than blasting with an upbeat crawl that offers stroke after stroke of crushing US style Death Metal. Thunderous vocals roar over the meandering grooving tremolo riffs and hammered drum hits, perverse and violent but with a really gorgeous primitive nature and production that has absolutely nothing of modern corruption, no obstacle to the classic style onslaught of epically gruesome excellency. The mid-tempo assault certainly brings bands like OBITUARY and BOLT THROWER to mind but with a refreshingly punky element (maybe similar to “In Battle There Is No Law”) that keeps it kicking and screaming with attitude to spare. There is even glistening flares of Death-Doom to add some stunningly disturbing atmospherics, while keeping a minimalistic edge, to the demo. The archaically monstrous guitar tone suits the battery of drums perfectly, only accentuated by the guttural rasps of the vocalist. This demo is aesthetically dark, raw and punchy with a fury that is balanced only by brooding contempt and topped off with plenty of bite. There is also a well spaced bit of melodic lead work that is not overused but certainly adds a glorious touch to the demo without overstaying its welcome especially on the tranquil interval which was the 3rd track before leading in to one more bout of horrifically heavy brutality. An incredibly hopeful first demo from the band that certainly left me eager for them to release more material. Killer job, fantastically putrid and odiously raw, just how it should be! A brilliant debut from start to end with a monolith of crushing musicianship and songwriting to offer meaty Death Metal flawlessly while keeping true to the original sound. There may be no bells and whistles but these guys nailed the sound they set out to create oozing with filthy grooves. -7/10