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Band: Abbath
Album title: Abbath
Release date: 22 January 2016
Label: Season Of Mist
Tracklist:
01. To War
02. Winterbane
03. Ashes Of The Damned
04. Ocean Of Wounds
05. Count The Dead
06. Fenrir Hunts
07. Root Of The Mountain
08. Eternal
09. Nebular Ravens Winter [bonus]
Here comes the album at last, after endless name disputes regarding his old band Immortal, Abbath took matters into his own hands and went his way while holding his banner high, and keeping the blood pulsating, with ferocious guitar melodies and tremolo picking, to light the northern sky.
Immortal is back, in a new shape and with a new name, hailing under the name of the previous frontman of Immortal, Abbath Doom Occulta. There are new but well known members like King Ov Hell, known as the bass player of Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth. He also plays in God Seed along with former vocalist Ghaal, and now he has teamed up with Abbath and the drummer Creature, who has now left the band and the new live drummer has been announced as Gabe Seeber, previous drummer of American death metal band Decrepit Birth.
The album feels like a journey back to the old glory days of Immortal, it reminds to classic albums like At The Heart Of Winter and Sons Of Northern Darkness. Melodic and fast tunes go perfect along with the bombastic music. The famous Immortal sound is certainly there in the fingers of Abbath's guitar playing. Songs like "Ashes Of The Damned" and "Winter Bane" could easily have been taken from before mentioned At The Heart Of Winter, although the drums have a bit more variety than normal. It still has that classic Immortal vibe that we all fell in love with! And of course Abbath's vocals are unique and a trademark in the sound.
The guitar sound is warm and fuzzy but it's the sound we came to know as Immortal, or rather Abbath's sound. The songs feel alive and very powerful. They are like a journey into the mountains. This clearly proves that Abbath still knows what he likes and what crafts a good track. The riffs are very recognizable which is a good thing, since many times it’s easy to get lost in the music, but Abbath manages to deliver without disapointment or a second to pause. One of my favorites is "Count Of The Dead", a truly versatile song but yet with all those elements which I loved in Immortal.
Although there are many versatile songs on this record, those that really stand out are the first tracks, where you can feel more of a new direction, that has a darker vibe to them. The chorus is what truly brings those songs together. Perhaps people will like Abbath’s solo career as his songs sound more like the Immortal we all loved. I think "Ocean Of Wounds" and "Winterbane" will be instant hits among the fans right away. So, for all fans out there, go check out this new record! You will not be disappointed!
Review written by: Oliver
Rating: 10/10
Disclaimer: This is a guest review and it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the Terra Relicta staff.
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