ALBUM REVIEW: Dread Reaver – Abbath
Many still rue the unfortunate events which befell his departure from black metal icons IMMORTAL, but what ABBATH has achieved on his solo jaunt thus far is quite remarkable. He has worn his unshackled freedom on his sleeve for the world to see and everyone has embraced it with open arms. His third solo effort entitled Dread Reaver is due for release on March 25th via Season Of Mist and is poised to further cement his legacy as one of the most eccentric but efficient musicians in the business.
Acid Haze charges into view with energetic drum runs and swift riffing. Chilling, distorted sound bytes usher in a surge of impactful blast beats. It doesn’t take long for ABBATH‘s signature rasp to take hold of the track. The frenzied instrumentation gets the adrenaline pumping. Scarred Core keeps up the lively tempo with rapid vocal passages and impressive lead work. Whilst considerably chaotic, the melodies have such an infectious quality. Dream Cull displays haunting acoustic tones that flourish into a commanding, atmospheric soundscape. There is a distinct tension which meanders through the track, keeping you on your guard.
Myrmidon commences with a pounding drum beat and a deceptive classic rock vibe that leans towards the darker, edgier tones. The pace picks up considerably as it progresses, delving deeper into the black metal savagery we have become so acquainted with. The Deep Unbound continues the traversal through the extreme side of the spectrum, with potent, frantic intensity accompanied by gritty vocal bursts. Septentrion somehow feels even more ghastly and harrowing than its predecessors. Gloomy heaviness combines with enticing melody to concoct an evil blend of textures.
Trapped Under Ice is a turbo-charged rendition of the METALLICA classic. The down-tuned approach suits the hefty array of riffing on show, and even ABBATH‘s abrasive vocal offerings complement the track. Normal service is soon resumed as The Book Of Breath unleashes emphatic rounds of formidable riffing that chop and change in tempo to eliminate any complacency. Title track Dread Reaver has the large task of closing out this effort but it’s certainly poised to take its duties seriously. The energised musicianship which has been a firm fixture throughout stands tall.
ABBATH has once again proven that his decision to fly solo was a wise one. Dread Reaver contains all of the hallmarks we have come to know from the larger than life Norwegian, as well as continuing to show significant growth and creativity far beyond just casually living off his past accomplishments. This release tastefully blurs the lines between a variety of genres and will undoubtedly grab the attention of many a listener as a result.
Rating: 9/10
Dread Reaver is set for release on March 25th via Season Of Mist.
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