Abisso – WRNSS (2016)

Hailing from Italy, today we have two-man outfit Abisso and their debut release “WRNSS” out on Third-I-Rex. Featuring around 40 minutes of soul crushing Black Metal, this release creates a crushing atmosphere that is oppressive and nature and never lets go. Highly consistent, Abisso’s oppressive sound is nicely contrasted by a few experimental elements that the band introduces occasionally. If you like powerful Black Metal which focuses more on atmosphere than speed, this is the album for you.

Opening with the dissonant “I”, the band slowly builds up their atmospheric vibe with incisive riffs and tight drumming. The deeper vocals fit the atmosphere perfectly as they command more attention than your traditional BM shriek. Continuing their atmospheric onslaught, “II” provides the perfect progression in the band’s aural abuse. Avoiding being too linear, the band experiments with intricate bass guitar lines and some interesting guitar leads that change the direction of the track momentarily.

Keeping things diverse and engaging, “III” delivers some interesting tempo changes and some faster sections. In a more Black Metal traditional manner, “IV” features killer blast beats and more intense riffs. All of this nicely blends when the tempo switches to more hypnotic rhythms. This track is our favorite, thanks to its uniqueness and how it changes the flow of this release.

As this release comes to a close with “V”, the band’s sound never gets old as it keeps its oppressive nature intact. Overall, “WRNSS” is one very powerful release filled with atmospheric brilliance that captivates the listener from start to end. If you like music that is both crushing and engaging, you have come to the right place as Abisso will blow your expectations away.

Label: Third-I-Rex

Release: March 20th, 2016

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Italy