Transcendental Black Metal is the better narrative/nom de plume when it comes to Abreaction, the latest full-length from Minnesota-based Amiensus. An undeniably epic collection of otherworldly Black Metal-tinged tunage, Amiensus incorporate Gothic overtones, Indie Rawk, and Prog within Abreaction to create one very unique record.
“Beneath The Waves” is a bit misleading but an unexpected surprise for sure when the ish hits the fan. Todd Farnham’s boisterous bass bounce as a lead in coupled with shimmering guitar lines from Alec Rozsa, Kelsey Roe, and James Benson make the opening track sound more like Indie meets Prog than a Black Metal rabble rouser which it definitely becomes as Chris Piette’s intense pummeling accents the more heavy aspects of this diverse quintet.
And even when Amiensus go all out it’s like Black Metal goes Pop and this odd mixture that’s a little jarring at first but works so well and a trend which continues throughout Abreaction.
“Divinity” is just that as this symphony of phantasmic delights takes hold with echoing, layered vox from Benson coming across almost like a Gregorian chant as Piette’s pointed percussive attacks once again thrill amidst lush string passages.
“To The Edge Of Life” on the other hand, shreds from Roe, Benson, and Rozsa’s frenetic guitar work. It’s the most straightforward Black Metal beastie on here yet still manages to elevate the genre to new heights thanks to the integration of acoustic guitars, strings, and synths within. Then the rhythm section takes center stage for the ethereal “A Convocation Of Spirits”….and if you’re looking for more diversity, check out the acoustic version of this little ditty added on as a bonus track later on in the record.
“Euphorica” is a hard charging Metal melee, stomping a path of sonic destruction with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Yes (Think “Owner Of A Lonely Hearts”/90125) while “Drowned” is driven by furious attacks from Piette with full on blast beats at times.
“Cold Viscera” meshes acoustics with an all out aural assault that, at times, evokes the sounds of ICS Vortex’s solo work but more visceral especially when it comes to Benson’s vocal delivery. “All That Is Unknown” gets its’ menace on, unfurling this complex but succinct tale that’s an ominous overture and then “Iconoclasm” comes in with all the world-ending sonic devastation that Amiensus can muster and contain during the last five minutes of the record. And within those five minutes, Farham’s bass practically hums as the combined fuzz from Benson, Roe, and Rosza envelope all with vicious screams and shrieks from Benson and a belligerent battering from Piette conclude this epic slab of modern Metal.
Abreaction arrives on October 2nd through Transcending Records. Pre-orders are up now and can be purchased by heading here or here. For more on Amiensus, follow them via the socials by clicking here, here, or here.
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