According to the record label, "Abzu is part two of a planned trilogy of recordings from mythological occult metal trio Absu. Mixed by J.T. Longoria (King Diamond/Solitude Aeternus), the album follows the band's popular 2009 self-titled album." I must have been away when the first one came out as I've never heard of it but I'm pretty glad that I've heard Abzu as it is loud, brash and uncompromising. With just the six tracks it doesn't outstay its welcome unlike so many releases these days. That said, "A Song for Ea" does clock in at over fourteen action-packed minutes.
Generically, Abzu is all over the place. Part thrash, partly symphonic metal, more than a smattering of Black metal can be found within its grooves (do mp3s have grooves?) I gave it my first listen about 0800 one morning and it really set me up for my day. I felt invigorated and ready to face the world which makes it OK in my book.
Track Listing:
- Earth Ripper
- Circles of the Oath
- Abraxas Connexus
- Skrying in the Spirit Vision
- Ontologically , it Became Time and Space
- A Song for Ea