Subject: Review of Abigor - 'Apokalypse' MCD
Date: Thu, 3 Apr 1997 14:19:20 +0100
'Apokalypse' is a MCD, with 6 tracks - but it only lasts for 17 and a half minutes. So, as you can imagine, the songs are very short - all around the 2 or 3 minute mark. The packaging is quite simple, although it includes all the lyrics and some small photos. The black and white front cover has a typical pentagram and goat's skull. To be honest, I was relieved when I saw "all songs written by Abigor," because I had the horrible suspicion it was going to be one of those 'covers of old 1980s thrash' type jobs, like so many bands are doing these days. Thankfully 'tis not the case.
Tracklisting:
1. Celestial
2. Verwustung (interestingly the name of Abigor's debut album)
3. Ein Hauch Von Kalte
4. Hyperwelt
5. Tu Es Diaboli Juna
6. Ubique Daemon
I must admit that I never got round to purchasing their previous album, 'Opus IV,' so I can't compare it to that, but this is certainly different to 'Nachthymnen.' There are no nice synths or female vocals here - in fact, I'd say this is quite a regression from that album (although I've heard that 'Opus IV' was more raw and brutal than it's predecessor also). The speed varies from very fast to slow/midtempo, and the overall feel is not dissimilar to Zyklon-B's 'Blood Must Be Shed.' This is partly because of the production, which is a bit 'tinny' (although actually quite strong, with no 'hiss'... turn it up loud and it sounds quite eeevil) and also because of the vocal style. Aye, unfortunetly the vocals are similar to Zyklon-B, but reverbed. There's also some other styles used, including screams and rasped speaking - all sorts, in fact - multilayered, reverbed to Hell, and effectively haunting because of it. I just wish the 'shouted' vocals weren't there. However, this only bothered me on my first couple of listens.
Some of the riffs are quite melodic - similar to their first album at times. 'Hyperwelt' in particular is one of the more sinister offerings, being noticeably one of the slower ditties. It's also good that all the tracks are proper songs, i.e. no unnecessary 'noisy intros' or instrumentals.
It says this was "produced and mixed in a few hours (Jan. 18 and 19, 1997) by Abigor and Georg Hrauda for ultimate raw apocalyptic Black Metal listening pleasure exclusively." If it sounds like your type of thing, it's worth a go - but whilst it's certainly very enjoyable (and never boring because of the briefness of the songs) it's not really essential.
Rating: 8 out of 10.