Abyssus – Death Revival
Release Date: 21st January 2022
Label: Transcending Obscurity Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal
FFO: Old School Death Metal
Review By: Paul Cairney
I’m not sure if I should like this album or not.
On the one hand, ‘Death Revival’ by Greek band, Abyssus, is a fuck-off enjoyable romp, utterly inoffensive, good vocals, very death metal riffage with a very high opinion of itself. Abysuss obviously believe in themselves, but the album often borders a pastiche of the genre it promotes.
‘Metal of Death’ is the opening track. Ignoring the stupendous, cheese infused title, it immediately makes you think of Slayer. It sounds nothing like Slayer, and, fuck me, it is a stupid song name. It is, however, an excellent track, a song that gets me pumping my fist and flashing the horns like a demented muppet!
In fact, all seven songs on this disappointingly short album are incredibly catchy, or at least listenable. There are genuine earworm riffs, ‘Uncertain Future’, is death metal angel breath. This track is in my headphones as I type, and I have had to stop, just to ensure my headbanging remains uninterrupted. I’ve even considered breaking out the heavy metal monkey-drums. It is that good!
But…
It is arguably the most unoriginal death metal album I’ve heard in aeons. It is incredibly generic. There is nothing that sets Abyssus apart from a large plethora of other bands in this genre….except for the fact that this is a very enjoyable album.
Once you accept the fact that this is nothing new, the riffs will take on another meaning, they will infiltrate your being, the impressive vocals fit in perfectly with the rest of the band. ‘The Beast Within’ is proper, authentic Death Metal (Note the capitals….). ‘Genocide’ is fantastically heavy, ‘The Witch’ continues in a similar vein, full of riffs and blast beats. The shortest song on a short album, it packs an immense punch.
Then, suddenly, you reach the last song. ‘When Wolves are Out to Hunt’. With a riff that could be from an Obituary album, the song serves as a reminder that this is not an album for those seeking a modern twist on a Genre that began in the 1980’s. It is, once again, a genuinely enjoyable track.
It is a song that epitomises Death Revival, and the title of the album probably explains why. This second full length album by Abyssus is utterly, and unashamedly, old school Death Metal. This band is not reinventing the wheel. They are a band that know their place, have a firm understanding of their target audience and, most importantly, have the ability to release an album that reflects their entire existence as Abyssus!
(4 / 5)
