This is the second album from Abyssus, a Greek death metal band.
I’ve been an avid follower of Abyssus’ work for many years, (see here, here, here, here, and here), and their output never fails to put a smile on my face. Which is why it’s great to have a new album from the band. Seven tracks, 33 minutes; Abyssus bring their old-school death metal sound to the masses once more, and it’s damn good fun.
These new songs are as well-written and as catchy as you would expect from the band. Abyssus know how to pen a hook, and know too how to lodge it in your flesh so that it won’t let go. Killer riffs assault you constantly, as the band tear through the songs with passion and vigour.
The Abyssus sound is heavily rooted in the 80s and 90s, with Obituary being a particularly obvious influence, although you can also hear some thrash metal in their songs alongside the death metal core. Basically, fans of the old-school output of groups like Death, Possessed, Malevolent Creation, Bolt Thrower, and Slayer should get on with Death Revival like a house on fire.
One of the many things I like about Abyssus is that despite the number of bands you can name-drop when describing their sound, they never ever come across as stale or plagiaristic; Abyssus are inspired by the classics and wear their influences on their sleeves, but their music is just timeless and gratifying. I keep coming back to the word fun too; Death Revival is just great fun to listen to. If you’re a fan of death metal, there is very little to dislike here, and Abyssus just rule.
Do yourself a favour and play Death Revival as loud as you can as soon and as often as you can. It’s a great album to listen to for pure death metal escapist fun, and these songs destroy the opposition.
Highly recommended for any old-school fan.
Wonderbox Metal 