CoC : Abigor - Verwustung/Invoke The Dark Age : Review

Abigor - _Verwustung/Invoke The Dark Age_
(Napalm/Sepulture Prod, 1994)
by: Gino Filicetti (7 out of 10)

Just recently picked up by Canadian distro newcomers Sepulture Productions, this is the first Napalm release to "hit the market" here in Canada. This album is Abigor's first full-length release and since then, they have recorded two more albums. Upon first listen this album begins as a typical, run-of-the-mill black metal album with the cliched screeching vox and the "guitars on speed" riffs, but upon closer inspection certain nuances unfold bringing the music to a higher level of being: above the masses of black sheep now crowding the countryside. One of my favorite songs is "Kingdom of Darkness", which begins with an intense Viking chant booming over the noise of an invasion in progress (the screams and cries of women in the background make this evident). At over seven minutes of music, this track is definitely an epic. There are two pieces included on this album which differ greatly from the rest of the tracks appearing herein. "Beneath A Steel Sky" and "A Spell of Dark & Evil" are written and performed by Rune. They are basically ambient pieces with a piano solo played on top, but the effect is stunning. They provide a welcome break from the black metal norm which abounds on this CD. This album definitely garners attention by any fan of the genre, so go to your local 'Hell' and find yourself a copy.

(article published 14/3/1996)

CHATS
1/2/1997	S Hoeltzel	Abigor: Crimson Questions and Ashen Replies
7/17/1996	S Hoeltzel	Abigor: Update From the Twilight Kingdom

ALBUMS
6/23/2007	J Montague	6.5	Abigor - Fractal Possession
3/10/1998	S Hoeltzel	8.5	Abigor - Supreme Immortal Art
4/9/1997	S Hoeltzel	8	Abigor - Apokalypse
10/11/1996	S Hoeltzel	9	Abigor - Opus IV
4/18/1996	S Hoeltzel	6	Abigor - Nachthymnen (From the Twilight Kingdom)