Abbath - S/t

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal

I thought that this release is actually better than their new LP because it sounds less like Immortal and more like Abbath's band. So on here, you hear what Abbath had in store with listeners, not Immortal. I liked it the whole way through. They have some catchy songs. I liked this from start to finish, even though not everything I liked about it. I liked the aura and atmosphere it has to it. It's a little bit eerie in a way. The guitars and vocals are the favorites of mine out of everything on here. The recording quality was good, pretty top notch if I might say so at least. I just thought a little of it is kind of flat sounding, but not too bad.

Abbath sounds like their holding the sound of their own whereas 'Outstrider' sounds too much like Immortal. Of course Abbath's vocals can't be duplicated so he'll always sound like himself. He changes up a little bit on here but not too much. The music is just astounding, especially track one. The songs are pretty much all killer and pack a punch to them. I don't think they ever let up at times. A lot of the riffs are technical. And original sounding as all hell. Abbath came up with some KING guitar pieces he really delved into creativity city. I don't doubt that it took some time to write the music to this one.

The sound of most of the vocals were grim but that's what makes his voice not duplicated in black metal. Though the latest Immortal with Demonaz was sounding pretty much like Abbath for that record. I still think it can't be replicated. And the riffs are sweet the whole way through. It's too bad he didn't carry this sound to the latest Abbath. It would've been better not to sound like his former band. On here, he just tears it up. The whole release is killer. Even the bonus tracks. I liked this one the whole way through. There wasn't anything that I'd change on here. It's definitely monumental.

The only reason why I knocked off some points is because I thought the recording could've sounded a little bit better. Nevertheless, they get an 80. Probably one of the better recordings in 2016. I can't believe it's been that long before he's had this record out. But anyway, for him to be still active in the metal genre is good. He's quite an outstanding musician. His lead guitar work could be a little bit better but still, his songwriting is exceptional. One of my favorite black metal musicians. As long as he keeps making music, I'll be happy with that. Give this one a listen to! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2016)
Score: 80

https://abbath.bandcamp.com/album/abbath

Abbath - Outstrider

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal, Immortal

The Immortal-esque sound is all there it seems to be a combination of 'Damned In Black', 'Sons of Northern Darkness' and a tint of way back when 'At The Heart of Winter' came out. Though the synthesizers were not overpowering. The riffs seem to be pretty strong on here and it's a blend of those albums (to me). The only thing that doesn't pack the punch are the drums since Horge still was with Immortal though now their status is disputed. Abbath came up with some pretty darn good riffs here. Pure Norwegian black metal and Abbath seems to blend it with some sounding like blackened thrash.

I would venture to say that this one could've been longer in length but it's nevertheless a good follow-up the the self-titled album. I suppose fans for now should follow this band rather than Immortal now that their status is on hiatus. Both Abbath albums have been good, this one a bit better than their debut. If you're a guitar player I'd say the riffs are what's key to follow on here. Abbath does a good job in that department as well as the vocal department. Not so much in the leads, though he puts in a good effort. This album is rather slow in tempos, though there are some fluctuations but not too much.

The sound quality is damn good with a little aura that is grim. This one isn't too intense of a release I'd say it's way catchy. Not only that, but the frontman of Immortal's older lineup. Abbath's vocals are unique and cool, making the album and band sound better than a lot of other black metal bands. I'm glad that there's no real synthesizers on here, but the atmosphere is dark. Like I said, it's sort of blackened thrash metal but with a tint and aura of black metal mixed in. I like it, I like the vibe here. Abbath seems to have improved on lead guitar, but he could've left that part out. So be it, however.

This is definitely an album to check out if you like black metal in general or Immortal with Abbath in the band. This one is a definite "B" rating to me, but if the leads were out I would've raised the rating. Definitely is worth picking up because the music on here is so awesome. And the Immortal influence that I touched upon gets listeners entranced. At least, it did to me. Hopefully Abbath will continue to make music since he's 47 now, he won't retire for years on end. The guy has a lot of riffs put down and 'Outstrider' is just a small dose I'm sure of what he has left for us. Check it out now! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2019)
Score: 75

https://www.abbath.net/