Illusory

Grindcore ever since its onset has often been associated with aesthetic, conceptual and musical limitations. Lyrically bands either want to out-gore one another or show you how politically conscious and sensitive they are, often giving the attitude, framework and vitality of their music a back seat to a facade that brings little or no merit. Thankfully Absvrdist are a refreshing exception to this stereotype, devoid of any such trappings.

As is the case with any album worth its salt, the most notable component of “Illusory” as a release is how cohesive the work as a whole is. The music is at all times dynamic, multi-faceted and adventurous, yet always focused in delivery, never at any point coming across as unfitting.

The sense of immediacy and transition between songs, and the relentlessness brought about by it brings to mind Assuck’s ‘Anticapital’ album, whilst the general eclecticism, use of discordance and ‘outside’ ideas is reminiscent of Brutal Truth’s “Need To Control” albeit at in more frenzied, savage, uptempo form. The overall execution has a swagger and bravado that brings to mind the work of Exhumed. The production work is highly professional, whilst it’s polished, balanced and full of clarity, maintains a rawness and intensity that you’d hear on ‘Jane Doe’ by Converge.

Riff patterns are a rather consistent yet complex punk/metal narrative that are led through a plethora of evolving sequences that constantly breathe new life into the next. Nuances of black metal technique in melody and harmony make a presence, especially clear in songs such as “Amongst Humans” and “Weakness”. An ominous atmosphere that would be familiar to black metal listeners is distinguishable, though is never overwhelming, complimenting the momentum and adding to the bleak canvas.

This is an excellent release, vibrant, muscular and compact. A bleak, brief yet epic catharsis.

http://stenchofishtar.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/absvrdist-illusory/