ALBUM REVIEW: Abscess Time – Pyrrhon

PYRRHON are back with their abrasively unique third album aptly titled Abscess Time. This is not an easy listen in any sense of the word, and from the titular opening track onwards the sheer sonic discordance makes this record a real challenge. With the opener featuring one of the most distinctive guitar solos of all-time this album has plenty of gems to be uncovered – as long as your ears are ready for the pummelling that they are about to receive.

This isn’t a savage assault in the typical death metal matter however, as well as the typical wall of sound and growled vocals there are also planned inconsistencies in the content, such as a slightly off-timed or slightly out of tune guitar lick here or there, which serve to make this record a much harder record. Even long term death metal fans will struggle with getting to grips with this, as PYRRHON completely throw everything off-key, creating a dissonant sense of the world around them and totally overwhelming the listener.

The pace of the record is all over the shop, opening strong and moving into second track Down At Liberty Ashes with blistering speed (and including some spoken word samples), before Teuchnikskreis begins with a bass-led slow paced lead in, that allows Doug Moore’s vocals to shine through – as well as incorporating some exciting drum fills in the background to the consistent plodding bass-line, before erupting into a wave of noise. This juxtaposition completely shocks the senses, especially after being conditioned for a good minute and a half that this song is just a slow-mover, so that erupting into a sudden crescendo is a complete game changer.

It is this sort of unexpectedness that makes this album so interesting. While it is a challenging listen, there is so much going on if you really take the time and attune your ears to hear more than just the top layer of sonic mayhem. Yes the vocals are brutal, but some of the really interesting stuff is more subtle, such as 80s inspired synths on lead single Another Day In Paradise which almost gives this record a Blade Runner feel – if Blade Runner was made by GORGUTS. This was arguably the best choice for a lead single, as it showcases every element of Abscess Time. From the experimental areas as mentioned before into some of the biggest variations in vocals from higher pitches to Moore’s traditional lower growls – as well as alterations in the pace throughout, which are most noticeable with the intermittent sudden drum fills.

As a whole the album actually flows quite well – if ‘flow’ is the correct term to use for something as abrasive as this. There is a consistent feel sonically and the record doesn’t stray too far from its’ roots. Instead PYRRHON experiment within the confines of extreme metal, and that’s what makes this album so interesting – they are pushing the boundaries of the genre without ever actually defying those bounds. Even the most diehard of purist would have to admit that this is pure death metal.

Overall this is an excellent piece of work from the New Yorkers, who have incorporated so many different elements into a record that is not only abrasive and brutal, but also complex and multi-faceted. There will be many things that listeners miss on their first or second listen-through that only become obvious later on, and it is this subtlety mired in the midst of brutality that makes Abscess Time into such an interesting album. It might be difficult, but it is well and truly worth putting in the effort for PYRRHON.

Rating: 8/10

Abscess Time is out now via Willowtip Records.

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