ALBUM REVIEW: Aborted – Maniacult

ABORTED, one of the titans of Brutal Death Metal are back with their latest gore-ridden offering, out via Century Media Records on September 10th.

Typical slasher vibes start with an eerie introduction, immediately giving the Aborted feel to the record before the Death Metal has even kicked in. Anthemic riffs and pounding drums fire into life with some huge bass tons cutting through the mix, clearly their sound is as gargantuan as ever without feeling softened at all. Double kicks bring in the grinding fury as the riffing technicality increases alongside a slew of guttural vocals that are unmistakably Sven’s. Firing on all cylinders, catchy grooves and relentless storms of blasting drums and blistering riffs bring us right back into the Aborted sound that has been extremely consistent across the last few albums. Personally, while Brutal Death Metal is not my first choice in style for Death Metal, I have always felt Aborted are one of a couple dozen bands that I’ve always really enjoyed. This is no different, they have not reinvented the wheel or redefined their sound but rather continued in their own pathway. The musicianship itself is as unforgivingly tight as usual with inhuman precision delivering ferocity of unbound levels. Bouncing riffs give that whiplash, headbanger friendly attack that stops and starts amidst storms of more intense grinding barbarity, this a a formula that has served the band well since I first heard them on “Global Flatline” back in 2012.

With a monstrous production and near-flawless instrumental onslaught, there is not a weak link in the sonic backdrop to the gutturally snarled vocals, working as a juggernaut of pure brutality to deliver crushing music once again. Cutting hooks are the main thing that will keep attention, something Aborted have never struggled with is those massive grooves that work beautifully in a live scenario to get people moving. Some of the production feels a little mechanical, which can be a touch grating but that is unsurprisingly common with the more brutal end of Death Metal, so a critique that may seem redundant from somebody who tends to dwell in the murk of the underground. “A Vulgar Quagmire” is the first song that sort of breaks the mould and takes things into a darker direction with a suffocating sound that feels like some looming Lovecraftian horror. That is not to say the other songs weren’t of quality, as they all have a resounding impact of that unbridled Aborted viciousness. “Global Flatline” through to “TerrorVision” are 4 incredibly strong albums and I feel this one definitely follows suit but isn’t quite as memorable. Though negatives aside, it is a damn fierce and enjoyable piece of Brutal Death Metal that has nothing “wrong” with it per se and definitely has some incredible musicianship and songwriting. It just isn’t the best the band has done.

Aborted return with more solid Brutal Death Metal. No new ground is traversed here, but they have not lost touch either, giving fans what they want and sticking to their own vein of sound. In fairness to Aborted, they have already created their own niche and play it brilliantly, so why change? There is nothing wrong with the songwriting or performances, the production is equally tight and the bands signature characteristics are all present. If you didn’t like Aborted’s other works, then you likely won’t care for this. If, however, you want more scorching heaviness from the behemoths of Belgian brutality, do not miss it! Either way, a really good if somewhat prosaic record.