|
|
|
|
The Absence have put out a fine release with 2007's Riders of the Plague -- so fine, in fact, several outsiders couldn't help but contribute. Notable appearances include the instantly recognizable guitar of James Murphy (if an introduction is needed, well, for shame) on "Awakening" and "Outro," Scar Symmetry's Per Nillson on "The Murder, which also features Santiago Dobles (Aghora) on banjo/guitar, and the other Scar Symmetry axeman, Jonas Kjellgren, on "The Victorious Dead" (w/writing and production/mixing/mastering/engineering credit, too) and "Outro." Not appearing on the album but clearly conjured in the guitar tone of the solo in instrumental track "Prosperity," and elsewhere, is Andy LaRocque (also without need for introduction, junior).
Audibly taking cues from Arch Enemy, At the Gates, and maybe even Opeth (see "Merciless," which also features guest vocals from former Without Grief vocalist Jonas Granvik), along with a pantheon of Thrash titans (just check the killer cover of Testament's "Into the Pit" if convincing is required), The Absence play a slightly less aggressive brand of Swedish-influenced Death Metal than labelmates The Black Dahlia Murder. Which band is better? Uh, that's kind of an apples to oranges comparison. If great guitars and a more obvious melodic approach are sought, The Absence win. If brutality is desired, go with TBDM. And that beef with Trivium? Chalk it up to marketing. Only two questions remain: Why the 4 seconds of nothing on track 7? And just who is Terry Kirkpatrick? In a word: solid.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Riders of the Plague |
| 2. Dead and Gone |
| 3. The Murder |
| 4. Echos |
| 5. World Divides |
| 6. Prosperity |
| 7. |
| 8. Awakening |
| 9. Merciless |
| 10. Into the Pit [Testament cover] |
| 11. The Victorious Dead |
| 12. Outro |
: 51:06
| Buy other Absence, the albums |
