Review Summary: A new leader in progressive death metal
Progressive death metal. Like a blank canvas, anything is possible. A conceptual idea is one thing, but an artist’s ability to portray that feeling onto an observer with effect is a measure of that artist.
The realms of progressive death metal have artistic pursuits more than most in the cosmos of metal music. With its unlikely mix of blast beats, varied vocal styles, cameo instruments, riffing and melodic guitars, and shifting moods, there’s much to consider in achieving cohesiveness. Only a skilled and inventive band can pull it off. Rivers of Nihil, Eternal Storm and Ne Obliviscaris come to mind and now they are joined by An Abstract Illusion.
Previous album Illuminate the Path was an expansive prog death metal listening experience and now the follow up "Woe" seeks to forge a leader reputation in this genre. The hour-long album works as one piece, with the first section comprising the opening three songs delving the listener into a heady atmosphere.
By the end of “Tear Down This Holy Mountain” you know you’re dealing with a special album. To half listen to this wouldn’t do it justice. It’s a smooth whisky and headphones album in a darkened room looking out at a night-time landscape.
“Prosperity” starts before you know it with synths over a probing bass line and cleans before progressing to death metal territory and back again. These songs cover so much ground and it’s a procession of good ideas. A section of the metal fan base won’t connect with this album but a lot will, especially the more dedicated to forward thinking musical ventures.
Like any great progressive metal album, there’s quality to be found later in the piece, with the simply stunning highlight “In The Heavens Above, You Will Become a Monster”. The arrangements on this song in particular are something to behold and if you’re only going to listen to one song on this album this is it.
This Swedish trio draw on influences ranging from Devin Townsend, to Opeth and Anathema to create an inspired and beautiful painting. And in a world of manufactured, disposable metal albums, this is a soul filling keeper and possible AOTY.
