EP REVIEW: Nightmare Frontier – Abysmal Dawn

In 2020 technical death metal mainstays ABYSMAL DAWN made an emphatic statement, returning after a seven year long absence with the release of their fifth full-length album Phylogenesis. To keep the wheels turning during a rather torrid time for musicians the LA based outfit are poised to release EP Nightmare Frontier on February 4th via Season Of Mist. What will this effort bring to the table?

A Nightmare Slain slots right into the pocket with crushing blast beats, rapid riffing and ferocious vocal bursts – all the signature hallmarks of what we have come to expect from ABYSMAL DAWN. Technical proficiency is unleashed in abundance as slick leadwork puts its stamp on the track. Blacken The Sky continues to stay in the higher gears with its commanding presence and intense tempo. Enticing guitar work laced with punchy grooves leads the charge accompanied by raspy vocal volleys and snappy drumming.

Behind Space, the first of two covers on the record, takes us on a nostalgia trip all the way back to 1994 and the debut album from IN FLAMES. The combination of melody and heaviness hits that sweet spot, particularly when the additional orchestration is introduced. Whilst sounding quite different in style to ABYSMAL DAWN‘s usual offering, it doesn’t feel too detached from the previous tracks. Before you know it we arrive at the final stop. Any fans of classic doom metal will instantly recognise the introductory rhythms of CANDLEMASS‘ Bewitched. It takes a brave soul to dare try and match the iconic vocal offerings of Messiah Marcolin but this cover is a fitting tribute. A pleasant surprise and impressive end to this outing.

Nightmare Frontier is pretty short and sweet, and whilst an EP would usually be a suitable stop-gap to satiate their existing fan base, tiding them over until a full release can be constructed, it almost feels like an afterthought with only half of the four-track release being original material. It is a saving grace, however that the covers are tastefully constructed and well-executed.

Rating: 7/10

Nightmare Frontier is out now via Season Of Mist.

Like ABYSMAL DAWN on Facebook.