Abhorrence – Megalohydrothalassophobic
Band: Abhorrence
Title: Megalohydrothalassophobic
Label: Svart Records
Release Date: 14 September 2018
Country: Finland
It’s time to talk about one of the most particular events of the year, if we talk about Death Metal. You probably know a lot about my admiration for the Finnish Death scene that so many classic old-school luminaries and bands have given us, and also in modern times. There are many important names that have influenced us so much. Some of great renown, and others who, for various reasons of fate, are somewhat buried by the unholy sands of time.
The case of Abhorrence is one of the most important, if we refer to this. And is that this band is an undisputed classic for those who follow the scene. And they also have the distinction of having been the first death band in Finland. That is right !. Only a demo called “Vulgar Necrolatry” and a homonymous EP were enough to comment on the reputation of these titans. For many, Abhorrence was always a kind of Amorphis demo stage, since it was Tomi Koivusaari’s band, but stylistically it was a completely different beast.
Far were the melodic signs and eclecticisms that would give fame to Amorphis, one of the most famous bands in the country. Abhorrence, perhaps sinning in excess of youth and irreverence, sounded like a caged monster, totally primitive and full of lust, wanting to free himself to plunge the world into chaos.
The production of that first work was far from being purely professional (with a really acceptable quality to be a demo), although, just that characteristic was what gave the band charm and personality. Without a doubt, the compositional foundations and the morbid and atmospheric characteristics that would identify the scene, saw the light for the first time by the hand of Abhorrence.
Now, 28 years after the birth of this band Icon, Tomi and his friends decided to gather the band, to the delight of all of us. Following the release of a live album last year, we now have the pleasure of listening to 5 new songs on this EP: “Megalohydrothalassophobic”.
How does Abhorrence sound today? Let me tell you that damn well! One of the aspects that stood out to the band it is noticed being enhanced. I refer to the compositional aspect. The songs have dynamic and diverse nuances, that do not sound redundant in the general listening. The angular riffs of Tomi are still the backbone and each member is seen flying over the structures, adding brutality or ambience, according to the need of the Track. They even dare to experiment lightly with some rather psychedelic passages.
The cavernous production does not exist anymore, and Abhorrence goes up to the trend of clean sound in this case, which gives them more sonic possibilities, which they know how to take advantage of very well. I mean, the band continues to sound brutal, even incorporating more layers and some oxygen into their compositions. It could be said that it is located somewhere between the old material and the first Amorphis album, with a small postmodern touch that feels really good.
In short, a very enjoyable little work, which brings us back to a legend, and the possibility of listening to them, almost 30 years after his birth. A band that sounds reinvigorated, very according to the current sounds and that installs the possibility of listening, maybe in the near future, a deserved first Full Length in the history of the band. Something that many have dreamed of for so many years. An absolute and significant pleasure, which represents much more than a simple exercise of nostalgia. 7.5/10 Sergio.
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