ALBUM REVIEW: Abhorration – Demonolatry

Following their superb 2021 demo, Norwegian Death Metal conjurers Abhorration present their debut album. Out via Invictus Productions and Headsplit Records on October 4th.

An onslaught of scathing vocals and monstrous guitars ride a wave of vicious blasting drums to be met only by the equally hostile lead guitars. Instantly the most ancient and violent Death Metal spectres are summoned to haunt the chapel with morbidity. The spacious mix of the drums and tight guitar work forms a refined spearhead of barbarity as the maelstrom of evil contorts time and time again with warped demonic vocal apparitions guiding their way. Formlessly transitioning with a volatility that is exciting and fuelled by a vengeful spirit, the ghouls of Morbid Angel, Sadistic Intent, Possessed, Necrovore and Immolation foully stain the sepulchral air. That said, Abhorration have their own sound which is a bit more cerebral in parts, then goes bestially mental in others. a balance I truly adore. Despite their thrashing nature, the songs often sit on the longer side for the style, which really works for Abhorration. Those more unusual and unconventional progressions are allowed room to breathe and yet the urgency and merciless nature of the songs is not lost due to the fantastic songwriting chops that have clearly been evolving a lot in the last three years.

Spewing abhorrence and sadism with every moment, these intense and feral songs are unbound and will not be constrained. With such a wild nature to the songwriting, the freedom to roam new paths is gracefully used to the max as Abhorration explore the depths of the genre while honouring its roots at every moment. Those memorable moments of grooving Heavy Metal meet some of the most insane and malicious ideas you will hear, forging together to a wonderful new concoction of devilry. Naturally combining the revolting with the more traditional roots of metallic furore, it is clear these maniacs are seasoned in the delivery of evil (one only has to look at their prior outputs across many superb bands). This band does not fear melody, nor experimentation, utilising all weapons in their huge arsenal for the betterment of their visceral crafts. The varied and dynamic approach to their bold music makes for an enthralling listen indeed. Abhorration has seized new heights on their debut record, delivering the greatness to which the demo tape alluded. A supreme and malignant plague of blazing Death Metal.

Truly impeccable Death Metal, the violent archaic way. Norway’s Abhorration prove that mean and unholy extremity is still the best way to conjure real macabre energy through sound. Blasting, riffing and warping into an abyssal nightmare, this record is a huge step forward for this band who remain a hidden gem of the subterranean world, one well worth checking out! Death and evil triumph once more.