Since 2011 Abyssus have been churning out death metal, Greek style. They’ve a string of EP’s, split releases and latest offering “Death Revival” is their third full length. The band have continued to grow and mature, evolving their sound into a formidable force.

The sound of thunder and rain introducing an album is nothing new to the world of heavy metal. Opening track “Metal Of Death” kicks off with a fiery, taut and galloping riff laying out their darkened offering. Konstantinos Analytis’ contorted, psychotically spewed vocals create a total sense of disturbing chaos. A cross between early Slayer and Possessed, the early signs are there for a churning, anguished aural journey. Chainsaw guitar and propulsive drumming on “The Ten Commandments” show an Exodus styled slant that is spiky and edgy if not a touch predictable. Konstantinos Ragiadakos on bass and Jan Westermann’s drumming forms a tight rhythm platform but the vocals very much lie at the heart of the band’s sound.

A more chugging, mid-tempo attack on “The Beast Within” adds weight and is one of the stronger moments thus far. The Slayer “South Of Heaven” influenced sound adds to the evil tones. The hauntingly beautiful, Eastern themed introduction to “Genocide” quickly gives way to a bare-knuckled rage. The album develops strength as these slight additions and tempo changes compliment what are very classic death metal attacks. “When Wolves Are Out To Hunt” with its’ suitably dramatic title, serves well as the closing track with an off kilter Slayer “Seasons In The Abyss” era styled riff. Panos Gkourmpaliotis and Chris Liakos combine on guitar to create the requisite drama as the tracks starts to lean heavily into doom territory. A noodling, melodic guitar break is a slightly unexpected but welcome twist. For these ears, the LP’s second half is where the band’s strengths are more obvious.

“Death Revival” is a meaty slab of death metal. With a running time of a little over half an hour it’s a concise, focussed ride that never strays the course and shows these Greeks mean business. A band not afraid to take their influences and proudly place their own stamp on them, this is well worth checking out.

(7/10 Johnny Zed)

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https://abyssusgreece.bandcamp.com/album/death-revival-death-metal