A B Y S S A L
M I S A N T H R O P E 2 0 2 0
SCORE: 8.8
Re-recorded with a newly added cello and their current drummer, A B Y S S A L endow their 2018 crushing epic with even more power.
Working with lethargic paces is way harder than it may seem. I would even argue that it is more difficult to engage the listener using very limited resources as opposed to keeping them entertained by engaging in histrionic acrobatics on whichever instrument that is being played. A B Y S S A L -a Tijuana-based funeral doom outfit- provide a great example on how to avoid self indulgence, and actually build something within the monolithic duration of a track with minimal changes, taking the listener along with them in a genuine state of trance —albeit a very, very mournful and ominous one.
In 2018, they released M I S A N T H R O P E, a devastating dirge clocking in at 46 minutes that, despite the oppressing bleak, melancholic tone, and its vast empty spaces, never became tedious or boring; it carried its point across even in those seconds in which we can only hear the microphone hissing as it is recording nothing. Those moments actually add to the feeling of despair and emptiness, which then are countered by explosive single note riffs and one of the most aching growls ever heard. Even if the changes in dynamics were somewhat predictable, they succeeded in creating an impact.
Following a minor change within their lineup two years ago after the release of MISANTHROPE, the band decided to re-record the track with their new drummer and also took the opportunity to add strings to the mix. This was a very effective move, as the cello brings more texture and different timbral elements, accentuating the emotions that were already pretty manifest in this piece. The structure remained similar, but the band opted for a cleaner start by avoiding the guitar feedback of the original version; also, the mix is clearer as they got rid of the very present low end that kind of drowned everything under the rumbling bass when all members played at the same time.
The sound is still raw, with very little post-production, but it is handled with better care and, as a result, MISANTHROPE2020 feels deeper and more immersive; it engulfs you within its power rather than just hitting you in the face with it. This also allows the cello to take shine on whichever position it has to cover. Its first appearance is in a clean section, mostly following the same chord progression, but its timbre just adds so much weight and elegance to the track; when it disappears, its presence leaves a void that quickly filled by, singer/guitarist, F’s lamenting gutturals backed by ABYSSAL’s trademark languid and powerful heaviness.
From the 15 minute mark and onwards, we’re trapped inside horribly majestic walls of pure doom dynamics; 21 minutes in, the cello appears again to create dissonance with a very subdued ostinato whose constant movement clashes with the lethargic pace the rest of the band is marching to. This whole section is fully paradoxical: it is both horrid and beautiful; it is sad but empowering. It is this type of nuance that makes ABYSSAL stand out even when their sound is neck-deep in doom aesthetics. With this update on the track, the band endowed an already crushing epic with even more power.
