Album Type: Album
Date Released:
May 16th 2014
Label:
This Charming Man Records
Asylum track
listing:
1.Nebel 06:00
2.Oubliette 04:52
3.Grau 05:11
4.Asylum 06:18
5.Vessel 06:37
6.Shiver 04:15
7.Monolog 06:59
Bio:
Abest
from Northern Germany are blurring the lines between atmospheric
Post-Metal and bleak Hardcore to create a dark and pounding emotional
atmosphere. Formed in late 2011, they released their demo in March
2012, followed by a split 7“ with the irish crust-outfit Absolutist
in September 2013. Their debut full length, “Asylum“ was released
in May 2014 via This Charming Man Records, home of bands like The
Tidal Sleep, Messer or Fjørt.
The
Band Members
Joscha
- Guitar/Vocals
Stephan
- Guitar/Vocals
Patrick
- Bass
Tim
- Drums
Review:
Abest
finally unleash their debut album – Asylum. A stirring cocktail of
aggressive Sludge and Post Metal violent noises and emotions that
deals with the harsher side of life. Taking influences from ISIS,
Neurosis but adding a more punk based approach to their music.
Abest
get straight down to business in playing some epic riffs with the
excellent opening track – Nebel – that shows what this band is
all about. It is a haunting apocalyptic nightmare coming to life. The
band adds layers of different noises that put your entire being in an
uncomfortable position. The pummelling riffs are played at a furious
pace with Abest taking you on an unsettling journey.
Second
track – Oubliette – carries on the heavy and pulverizing carnage
the band laid down previously with lead vocalist – taking centre
stage with his earth-shattering vocals. However, the rest of the band
playing impressive post-metal riffs of there own. You can hear
distinct post-rock noises being played in the background, which sees
the music being give more of a claustrophobic feel.
Abest
don’t change direction for the remainder of the album and nor
should they. As they have created a dark atmospheric tale that will
have you looking over your shoulder especially on one of the album’s
standout track’s – Grau. This has an unsettling doom and gloom
atmosphere around it. This is a song for a long cold winter night and
not a hot summer’s day I am currently experiencing whilst reviewing
the album. However, I digress, Abest are an unstoppable force of
nature as they unleash an uncontrollable fury not seen on many debut
albums of this kind.
If
you are into dark epic songs that last past the 6 to 7 minute mark
then this album is for you. You will need a few listens to fully
experience the power that is Asylum. As Abest may not seem they bring
anything new to the scene but I advise you to look again. Asylum is
aptly named as it makes you feel you have been locked away for many
years and you are experiencing the many dangers of the modern world
for the very first time. That’s how powerful this album truly is.
You
may need a long rest after listening to this album as its one
hard-hitting experience you will need time to recover from. If you’re
not moved by the heavy pounding vibes of the albums best track –
Vessel – then there is no hope for you. All
in all this is a truly haunting album that I can’t recommend highly
enough. It showcases another excellent band from Germany’s
Sludge/Post-Metal scene.
Thanks
to Abest and Chris at This Charming Man Records for sending me a
promo to review. Asylum is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl.
Check
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Written
by Steve Howe
