Abigor - Taphonomia Aeternitatis (2023) Review

Abigor's latest release, initially distributed solely through physical formats, pays homage to the old school while presenting a remarkably forward-thinking album, arguably their most ambitious work to date. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, the album echoes strong influences from Deathspell Omega, embracing orthodox black metal perspectives with unhinged vocals, intricate songwriting, and theatrical delivery. The inclusion of haunting female clean vocals adds an eerie dimension to the already terrifying straightforward black metal elements. This substantial and intricate release demands repeated listens, revealing itself as a true grower. While some might identify filler moments in certain sections, these nuances contribute to the overall spectacle. Esteemed by hardcore fans, it surpasses their post-Quintessence works, marking a compelling evolution in Abigor's musical trajectory. [3.5 out of 5 - Great]

Release: December 21st, 2023

Label: World Terror Committee

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Abigor - Channeling the Quintessence of Satan (1999) Review

Maybe because of their earlier catalog, I always felt Abigor's Channeling the Quintessence of Satan is a bit overlooked when thinking of their 90's material. While their first albums are undeniably spectacular touching classic status, one shouldn't miss out on the abundant intensity and power that is exerted from this record, with tracks like "Dawn of Human Dust" and "Equilibrium Pass By" being some of my favorite Abigor material ever. Recently, the band released on Bandcamp their 2016 vinyl master version of the album, which features rough recordings of the guitars and drums as they were done in 1998, along with re-recorded vocals and bass from 2010. I can't say which version of the two I prefer but this one offers a definitely less polished sound to the music, without throwing mud at the awesomeness of the compositions and made me listen to this fine release once again, as if it was a new experience. The guitar lines are amazing and often complex, Abigor at moments use samples to amplify the atmosphere, the energy in Channeling... is really unique.

Listen to Channeling the Quintessence of Satan: