Florida’s The Absence have carved out a tidy career of dependable material across two separate career arcs since forming way back in 2002. Their first few albums were thrashy, slightly blackened melodeath bangers with killer riffs, striking melodies and catchy hooks in tow. Hardly groundbreaking stuff but solidly entertaining, nonetheless. Following an eight-year recording hiatus, The Absence kicked back into gear in 2018 and now we arrive at the third album of their recharged second era, and sixth overall, following on from 2021’s reliably solid Coffinized release. On this occasion, the veteran act decided to go the self-titled route, which often translates to a stylistic reinvention, or assertive back-to-basics approach. Reinvention is not on the cards with The Absence falling more so into the latter camp, crafting a taut, energetic collection of trademark thrash-infused melodic death tuneage. Taking cues from the classic Gothenburg scene, especially At the Gates, and merging with US-styled blackened thrash, The Absence unleash a slickly played and bouncy style, with enough sharpness and bite to provide a steelier edge.
Veterans in the game, The Absence possess a tight and playful sound, accentuating tasteful melodeath licks, punchy riffs, and groovy, headbanging swagger. Nastier, blackened throes and spiteful edge of early albums From Your Grave and Riders of the Plague have been buffed and smoothed over in later years. The accessible, streamlined approach on The Absence retains many of the band’s signature traits and foundations, albeit in a less urgent, edgier manner compared to their earlier work. Regardless, The Absence excel in ripping through workman-like melodeath tunes without resorting to gimmicks or compromising integrity with tacked-on elements to boost accessibility. The more streamlined material still packs a feisty punch, and the riffs are consistently solid, backed by ear-catching melodic leads and technical flourishes. Original member Jamie Stewart’s blackened growls feature a more weathered charm, while the crisp though stripped-back production lends the songs a grittier, no-frills edge. Right out the gate, The Absence rip out a trademark thrasher courtesy of lively opener “Communion Carbonized,” launching the album into gear.
“The Silent Eye” fits the bill well as a single and is a tidy way to attract newer listeners. Across nearly six minutes, The Absence mix some beguiling central melodies and vocal hooks with thrashier surges and earworm hooks. There are similarly strong cuts scattered across the album, such as the progressively leaning “Planetary Mortuary,” straight ahead riff rager “Grieving Winds,” and lean, mean thrasher, “Fleshwalker.” The Absence rarely hit peak form, but never really drop the ball either. Closer “Breeding Hysterics” ensures shit ends with a bang rather than whimper, its chunky riffs, feisty thrust and retro feel lend it a cool, old-school charm. Outside the highlights, the majority of songs leave solid, if sometimes unremarkable impression, while a couple of songs come across a bit by the numbers. Quibbles aside, The Absence is a largely enjoyable listen that continues the band’s lasting consistency. Guitarist Taylor Nordberg (also handling bass and keys) has been around the traps a long time and livens the material with spicy axework, an array of headbangable riffs, throwback old school leads and embellishments. The technical and mildly progressive elements help main interest. Meanwhile, experienced drummer Jeramie Kling (Inhuman Condition, Ex Deo) keeps pace with an aggressive, precision performance on the kit.
As previously mentioned, the production hits the spot. The clean, sharp tones offset by an uncluttered mix, dynamic master and organic, gritty tones, especially the drums. Overall, The Absence is a tidy entry into the band’s underappreciated catalog, despite feeling a little safe and less urgent than prior offerings. In particular, the frantic, blackened approach of their first few albums are missed, and the songs don’t hit quite as hard as previous album Coffinized. Regardless, The Absence is an endearing act that pump out consistently solid, thrash-infused melodeath tunes that are easy to like. The Absence may not be the most compelling selling point or entry in this veteran Floridian band’s lengthy career, however, it’s a solid batch of fun and no-frills melodeath tunes.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 9 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Listenable Insanity
Websites: theabsenceofficial.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/theabsenceofficial
Releases Worldwide: March 29th, 2024
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