***I've never posted here before, so I am unsure of whether you make a whole new thread per review or add to currently existing threads. Mods, move at will!***
Abigail Williams - In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns
Its been an interesting road for New York based black metal outfit Abigail Williams. Originally formed after the split of melodic death metal band Vehemence, the band quickly made an impression through the enormously high traffic on their myspace, soon catching the attention of the revered Candlelight Records. The band released the excellent E.P. Legend, toured extensively, gathered momentum and subsequently disbanded. After an brief silence, the group has reformed with a new lineup, and suffice to say, my excitement for this release has been building ever since.
When all is said and done, the most prominent response I can muster after my fifth spin of this hotly anticipated release is What happened? The bands earlier work was a largely black metal affair, with hints of modern metal core and exquisitely catchy hooks. Gone from this disc are the memorable leads, intricate drum work and even melodic bass lines in favor of a more raw black metal approach. By raw I mean nine tracks of generic, heartless swill. I cant begin to imagine what rationale the band had for moving in this direction, and each track passes by with little or no reason to revisit.
It begins with a typical intro song, haunting and forgettable, and from the first full length track, it is drastically apparent the group has gone in a different direction. The structures of each track leave virtually no room for contemplation, and the endless blasting wall of percussion, which is disgustingly loud in the overall mix, is distracting and unimaginative. The vocals are consistent with the style, yet the rare clean passage leaves so much to be desired after the quality, ethereal delivery on their previous effort. The keyboards are indistinguishable from every other band in this field, but such is to be expected, and it does little to alter the course of this record. Each member plays their instrument competently, but there is a definitive sense of inexperience in the way the songs are contructed. It is a true disappointment to see a group with such potential squander their time, and equally importantly, their fans time, on this highly derivative release.
The bottom line: If you are desperate for a fix of mediocre but well played black metal, check it out. If you are looking for an engrossing black metal experience, look elsewhere.
Songs to watch out for: The World Beyond, Floods
Abigail Williams - In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns
Its been an interesting road for New York based black metal outfit Abigail Williams. Originally formed after the split of melodic death metal band Vehemence, the band quickly made an impression through the enormously high traffic on their myspace, soon catching the attention of the revered Candlelight Records. The band released the excellent E.P. Legend, toured extensively, gathered momentum and subsequently disbanded. After an brief silence, the group has reformed with a new lineup, and suffice to say, my excitement for this release has been building ever since.
When all is said and done, the most prominent response I can muster after my fifth spin of this hotly anticipated release is What happened? The bands earlier work was a largely black metal affair, with hints of modern metal core and exquisitely catchy hooks. Gone from this disc are the memorable leads, intricate drum work and even melodic bass lines in favor of a more raw black metal approach. By raw I mean nine tracks of generic, heartless swill. I cant begin to imagine what rationale the band had for moving in this direction, and each track passes by with little or no reason to revisit.
It begins with a typical intro song, haunting and forgettable, and from the first full length track, it is drastically apparent the group has gone in a different direction. The structures of each track leave virtually no room for contemplation, and the endless blasting wall of percussion, which is disgustingly loud in the overall mix, is distracting and unimaginative. The vocals are consistent with the style, yet the rare clean passage leaves so much to be desired after the quality, ethereal delivery on their previous effort. The keyboards are indistinguishable from every other band in this field, but such is to be expected, and it does little to alter the course of this record. Each member plays their instrument competently, but there is a definitive sense of inexperience in the way the songs are contructed. It is a true disappointment to see a group with such potential squander their time, and equally importantly, their fans time, on this highly derivative release.
The bottom line: If you are desperate for a fix of mediocre but well played black metal, check it out. If you are looking for an engrossing black metal experience, look elsewhere.
Songs to watch out for: The World Beyond, Floods
