ALBUM REVIEW: Abreaction – Amiensus

Listeners may be forgiven for feeling a little confused by the opening moments on Abreaction, the third album from AMIENSUS. Described as progressive black metal, the record begins with clean guitars and melodic vocals more reminiscent of 90s alternative rock. While there may be exceptions, it’s a sound which is unlikely to be the first thing one thinks of in relation to either progressive or black metal. It’s a bold opening statement which sets the terms of an album described by the band as an “attack on the listener’s perception of heavy metal.”

That isn’t to say progressive black metal is a misnomer. Abreaction is a record which should definitely please fans of DEAFHEAVEN and DEVIN TOWNSEND alike. Moreover, those more familiar with AMIENSUS’ back catalogue are likely to be less surprised by the album’s opening. The band have consistently pushed boundaries throughout their decade-long career. Abreaction is their third studio album, and their first as a band with touring experience. This experience looks to have paid off, as it’s arguably their most mature record to date.

After its mellow melodic opening, first track Beneath The Waves erupts into a combination of soaring melodies and visceral heaviness. The track draws strong comparisons to ALCEST, but with some added harsher vocals. These comparisons are even more pronounced on the next track, Divinity. Opening with beautiful acoustic guitars and strings, it becomes another impressive, expansive song which is both heavy and uplifting. It also features a haunting string solo which conjures an almost medieval feel over the band’s metal backing. After this, third track To The Edge Of Life marks the first time AMIENSUS go full atmospheric black metal on their listeners. With blast beats and tremolo picked guitars, it brings to mind genre torch-bearers like WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM and PANOPTICON.

A Convocation Of Spirits follows the strong opening run, and is comfortably the best track on the album. The song begins with ominous strings and distant guitars. Driving drums and bass soon add to the atmosphere as the band continue to build. They reach their destination a minute and a half in – a breathtaking, symphonic break. The whole thing feels so grand and epic, and firmly brings to mind the sheer theatrics of DEVIN TOWNSEND. More strings and driving black metal parts follow, interrupted from time to time by beautiful acoustic breaks. As mentioned, AMIENSUS set out to challenge perception of heavy metal, and they definitely achieve that here.

It’s a bit of a shame then that the next tracks see Abreaction take a turn into safer territory. Euphorica is arguably the first time it feels like the band are on autopilot. It’s a more straight-ahead mid-tempo black metal track that still has some of the group’s progressive touches but doesn’t feel quite as exciting as those that came before. The next track, Drowned, is an improvement. Arguably the ‘heaviest’ song on the record, it sees the band combine punishing metal sections with their trademark melodic soar. Cold Viscera continues the melodic heaviness, with anthemic lead guitar parts and rapid double kicks that wouldn’t sound out of place on an AMON AMARTH record.

While both strong, these songs never quite hit the heights of the album’s first half. It’s fair to say that the earlier tracks are a little more dynamic and creative. As a result, by the time we get to All That Is Unknown and Iconoclasm, the more constant heaviness feels like a bit of a blunt instrument. Neither song is bad, but progressive metal albums tend to be too long as a rule, and, at 55 minutes, Abreaction is no exception. It may be harsh to suggest that these songs should have been cut entirely, but given the high standard of earlier tracks there is a risk that listeners may start to lose interest in these more straight-ahead offerings.

This also feels true of the closing bonus track, an instrumental acoustic version of A Convocation Of Spirits. This reworking of an earlier highlight is undeniably beautiful, but it’s also nearly seven minutes long. While it does provide a welcome change from the more consistent heaviness of the later tracks, it feels like this dynamic shift may have served the album better had it been placed a little earlier and cut a little shorter.

Ultimately, Abreaction is an exciting, interesting, and well-produced record. Even if it is a little on the long side, it feels epic throughout. It also reveals a band with an obvious desire to push boundaries – something which must always be applauded. AMIENSUS have clearly come a long way in their first decade as a band, and the future looks promising for these forward-thinking metallers.

Rating 7/10

Abreaction is set for release on October 2nd via Transcending Records.

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