The term `Suicidal Black Art` gets thrown around a lot these days, with every bedroom blackmetaller claiming to have achieved the pinnacle of despair and depression with their latest demo. Truth be told, many of these bands haven`t the slightest integrity or authenticity, let alone originality. Most of the time we hear the same Burzum-worship style, with the same ideas, and the same `heartfelt` lyrics that moan about how gloomy in is in their bedroom.
I should go on to explain why Abyssic Hate are different, fresh and innovative… but I`d be lying. I will however, mention that this release bears very little resemblance with other praised suicide black metallers such as Nargaroth and Xasthur. The most notable difference being the way the ideas are carefully constructed to achieve the maximum level of emotion throughout the tracks. Instead of the course ideas thrown around randomly on similar releases, the ones here are fully realized, and lead you through the complex labyrinth that is this album.
The way this is all achieved is through a solid wall of layered, buzzing guitars, softened only by a prominent and dynamic winding bass. Riffs are droning, creating a hypnotic spell that drags you into the depths of emotion, which at times can become suffocatingly strong. The music work in waves, with highs and lows of emotion. Some of the extremes are truly breathtaking, and prove the authenticity and genius behind this album. The vocals are performed in a fairly typical Burzum fashion, screeched out at a level tone that never becomes piercing, or tries to convey some sort of pain or emotion (a wise choice, I believe). The drums are used effectively at a mid-slow pace, never overpowering or trying to do too much. Lyrically, this album breaks no new ground, but manage to avoid sounding too cliché. Most of the lyrics revolve around suicide, depression, self-mutilation and general hate of humanity and life.
This album will not appeal to people who enjoy fast paced, brutal and mindless black metal. The music here is mid-slow paced and very thought and emotion provoking. It requires your full attention, and an open mind. What you will gain from it is determined by you, but there`s such a level of honest power and truth throughout that I pity people who cannot grasp the full spectrum of this music.
Tracks:
1. Depression: Part I
2. Betrayed
3. Depression: Part II
4. Despondency
