Artist: Absu Album: Abzu

Year: 2011
Duration: 35:58

A of the Album Abzu by Absu

Absu is a pioneering band in the blackened thrash metal genre. Founded in 1989, the band has released nine full-length albums, with their album Abzu being one of their best-known works. Abzu was released in 2011, and listeners are still captivated by it to this day. In this post, we'll delve into the history of Absu, the music genre of Abzu, the standout tracks on the album, the most innovative parts, and our of Abzu.
Absu was formed in Plano, Texas in 1989 by Proscriptor McGovern, Shaftiel, and Equitant. Their earliest works were heavily influenced by bands like Slayer and Venom, but Absu soon developed their own sound by incorporating elements of Celtic mythology and occultism. With their blistering drumming and technical riffing, Absu quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting bands in the underground metal scene.
Abzu is firmly rooted in the blackened thrash metal genre. The album's fast-paced rhythms, screeching guitar riffs, and harsh vocals create a sense of darkness and aggression that's characteristic of the genre. But while Abzu showcases Absu's signature sound, it also has a unique flavor thanks to its use of Middle Eastern musical elements. These influences can be heard on songs like Abraxas Connexus and Earth Ripper which feature the use of traditional instruments such as the dumbek.
A standout track on Abzu is Circles of the Oath. Its memorable riff, dynamic drumming, and Proscriptor McGovern's high-pitched screams make for an intense listening experience. This song showcases Absu's penchant for creating technically proficient metal that's also memorable and catchy. Another standout track is Girra's Temple, a more mid-tempo number that features some of Absu's most intricate riffing. The song's chord structures and harmonies are reminiscent of black metal, but Absu put their own spin on it to create something unique.
One of the most innovative parts of Abzu is Proscriptor McGovern's drumming. Known for his incredibly fast and complex drumming style, McGovern is in top form on this album. He seamlessly switches between blast beats, thrash beats, and double bass drumming, creating a dynamic and engaging rhythm section that's a joy to listen to. The use of Middle Eastern rhythms and instrumentation is also an innovative aspect of the album, as it showcases Absu's willingness to incorporate diverse sounds into their music.
Our of Abzu is that it's a fantastic album that showcases Absu at their best. The album is cohesive, has strong songwriting and instrumentation, and features some of Absu's most memorable tracks. The band's unique blend of Celtic and Middle Eastern influences with blackened thrash metal creates a sound that's both dynamic and distinctive. Our only critique would be that some of the songs tend to blend together, but this is a very minor complaint.
Absu's Abzu is a landmark album in the blackened thrash metal genre. Their use of Middle Eastern rhythms and instrumentation, along with their signature sound, creates an engaging listening experience that shouldn't be missed. The standout tracks on the album, such as Circles of the Oath and Girra's Temple, showcase Absu's technical prowess and strong songwriting abilities. While the album isn't without its flaws, it's still a fantastic addition to any metalhead's collection.