Abigor
Opus IV
[Napalm]


This album is actually a release of two EPs, "Horns Lurk Beyond the Stars" and "Blut aus Aeonen". Whilst i do understand that the public would prefer to buy one full length release rather than two EPs, i would have preferred two actual releases as the EPs are significantly different from each other.

"Horns Lurk Beyond the Stars" is fast-paced and brutal, relying on strength. Synths are rarely used, mostly in the background of the music, but they all of a sudden break the brutal stream of the sound. There is a space-like (astral/occult) feel to it, simply amazing. On "Blut aus Aeonen" the music is based more upon melody and is even fragile at times. Some very beautiful guitar-interludes are blended in with a most chaotic black metal. The synths are different from the first release. They are implemented more, but as real instrument sounds like the flute rather than plain synths. Most of the time, they are mixed in the interludes. For me the drums really stand out; they are played technically and with much skill and speed. Not much need be said about Silenius' vocals: they are as powerful as ever, guaranteed to haunt.

Both EPs present the same theme, but from different perspectives. It is hard to exactly point out where the difference lies, but if the first one is astral/space, then the second one is more earthly. They undoubtedly complement each other. So, despite what i mentioned in the beginning, the album does make a coherent whole.

"...and stalk on endless paths / where crimson horizons merge into ashen skies"


© 2001 rotblood