SPLIT REVIEW: Abduction / Nocturnal Prayer – Intercontinental Death Conspiracy

Those who are shrouded in the depths of the Black Metal underground may be familiar with the names ABDUCTION and NOCTURNAL PRAYER for their raw, convulsing and spectral music. Now they have joined forces for a split to be unleashed by Inferna Profundus Records on September 7th.

Abduction starts the split off with gorgeous synth ambience, taking us into the more cosmic side of atmospherics. Hammering drums and dissonant riffs spew forth a relentless disdain without warning. Quickly hideous snarling vocals ensue over the claustrophobic and anguishing instrumental onslaught, delivering carnage in ecstatically profound and masterfully crafted fashion. Those who are familiar with Abduction will know this is a rather unique and recognisable project, here we see this in all of its potential as the feral discordance meets somewhat more traditional Black Metal songwriting for an explosive and volatile concoction of ferocity. We are given a further dynamic with some more emotive and melancholy ideas coming through the savagery which furthers the impact on this side of the split. The four songs blend into a tasteful and otherworldly contribution to the split, taking abnormality and discomfort to the listener with flawless execution, delving into depraved realms of chaos. A glistening and sepulchral aura ensnares these pieces of music which will certainly haunt any who venture through them.

Now onto the second side from Nocturnal Prayer. Melodic guitars build in with a chillingly raw yet almost folky rhythm. Crashing cymbals build with these riffs and hellish vocals to deliver a more stripped back assault that grows and warps into atmospherically charged and intensely emotional soundscapes. The ice cold ambience that is harnessed here is unmistakable, venturing into unsettling introspection. Blending more traditional 90s Black Metal with the rawness of the Portuguese movement and a lot of depressive touches, Nocturnal Prayer’s side of the split is a much more masochistic and self-loathing yet equally vicious style of Black Metal, working excellently with that of Abduction. Rather than the more cosmic style we have heard on the first half, however, this has a much more ancient sound to it, though equally as bold and dissonant. Churning forth, these three pieces are torturous and magnificently eerie. Once started, escape is impossible.

Abduction and Nocturnal Prayer deliver some intoxicating intensity which really comes to fruition when put together on a split. This visceral and otherworldly release is unique and bold yet feels fated, each project playing off of the others strengths to unleash a mighty and punishing concoction of devilish, emotionally varied and uniquely harsh Black Metal that satiates all desires for something less derivative of the usual 90s worship. An excellent effort from both bands whom complement each other brilliantly. A wholly worthwhile split for those into more contemporary and discordant Black Metal. –8.5/10