Band: Abyzz
Title: Empusa
Label: none
Distribution: Concrete Web Promotion Office
Release date: 2010
Review: CD

Abyzz, with two ‘z’ (during the early nineties, there used to be an ‘Abyz’ too in Germany, written with one single ‘z’, which was a Death Metal band that changed its moniker into Malaphar), were formed in 1994. However, it took many years before this band got noticed outside the region of Jena. Since the start of this new millennium, Abyzz sort of grew, and Empusa is the third full length in mean time.

Empusa has duration of forty six minutes and was recorded in 2009. After the short instrumental and atmospheric intro "Empusas Lair", "Hekate" shows what this quintet (Krusty-g, Arno-v, Bolzen-d, Sebastian-g, and Matze-b) stands for nowadays: pounding, rhythmic and oppressive Death Metal with a sinister sound, a splendid equilibrium between heaviness and melody, the necessary diversity in tempo, song structures and rhythm, and very skilled members. The skilled tactics / techniques are dual. First of all the compositions: these are firm, overwhelming, convincing and, from time to time, unique. No, it does not mean that we’re talking about a renewing band – at all. It means that Abyzz don’t hide their sources of inspiration, yet it has been written with an own vision, an own interpretation. Morgoth meet Impending Doom?
Secondly, I need to mention the members’ qualities. The collaboration sounds very cohesive and the handling of all instruments (vocals included, as these are important instruments too, vocal chords) is professional and mature.

Empusa surprises me, more than once. And the most bizarre thing behind it is: I can’t fully explain why. This album just fits, it thrills, it does something with me that I wouldn’t expect (yet I do need to admit, in this case, that I didn’t know this band’s previous efforts). Empusa is basic, yet built upon the right basics.

83/100

Ivan Tibos.