Originally written by Patrick Dawson
Accuse me of label whoring if you will but I think this album is getting my official recommendation as the number one most useful stocking stuffer for the metalhead in your family this holiday season. Absu tread a fine line that metal fans on both sides of the fence seem to be able to align themselves with in some fashion. Neither too grim nor too fruity, their music has a splendid absence of keyboards for the most part and at the same time never takes itself too seriously. But is it my job here to garner new fans of the band? Well, my stance is that everyone should hear Proscriptor behind the kit at least once, the guy could fight a horde of ninja robots and the resulting conflict would probably produce a pleasing drum fill with only the enemy’s masked cranium to provide the desired sound. I digress, this is a collection of rarities and delights for the dedicated fan and although I would prefer that figure encompassed the entire community, in truth, it is a niche market.
Nothing new here in the literal sense but as a long time fan of the band not rabid enough to seek out every table scrap left behind after their recording sessions, there is indeed quite a bit of material here new for most people. 4 years have passed since Tara’s release, I think it is safe to assume at this point Mythological Occult Metal may be the last offering from an act whose status is labeled ‘on hiatus’ and we all know how that scenario plays out in reality. But what does it all mean for you the consumer? Let me break it down for you in neatly bulleted Power Point style. For your hard earned shekels you will receive the following spread across two discs:
• Every 7” EP Released by the band:
> 1991’s The Temples of Offal
> 1995’s …And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh…
> 2001’s Hallstattian Swords
• Cover tracks written by Destruction, Iron Maiden, Mayhem, and Possessed.
• Live tracks from V.I.T.R.I.O.L. and from Third Storm of Cythraul.
• Unreleased Rehearsal recordings “Book of Splendour” and “Tasseomancy.”
• An alternate version of “Stone of Destiny” from Tara.
• Last, my two favorite tracks both from rather obscure sources: “The Gold Torques of Ulaid” from the soundtrack to the film Gummo and from 1994’s World Domination Compilation “Never Blow out the Eastern Candle”
The EP’s alone are a superb roadmap showing the developing steps of a great band between albums. From the raging almost cliché grimness found on Temples of Offal to the discovery of a unique sound on Shineth unto the Cold and then into a slightly experimental direction with Hallstattian Swords the merits of these tracks alone make this collection worthwhile for even the modest fan. Taken as the delicious slice of chocolate cake it is, this album’s left over tracks are nothing but sweet icing which allow me to label this slick little package irresistible! If you like your icing flavored with amazing cover songs like Mayhem’s “Deathcrush” and “Silvester Angfang” or Possessed’s “Seven Gates of Hell” then I suggest ordering a portion post haste. Incidentally, this desert comes served in a sturdy digipak bursting at the seams with photos and extensive liner notes. Flawless presentation, flawless victory.
