In the last few years, one of my favorite strains of death metal has been the “dark” variety. It’s not really a subgenre or even a wave, but more of a feeling that certain bands exude. I’m thinking specifically of groups like Cruciamentum, Mortem, Sadistic Intent, Grave Miasma, and other bands of their ilk. These are groups that offer a musty and ominous approach to death metal, groups whose atmosphere makes it feel like no matter how many times you listen to them, there is always something black and slimy lurking undiscovered in some hidden corner of the world they create. Thus, when I saw that Abysmal Winds describe themselves as “dark death metal” and count both Sadistic Intent and Grave Miasma among their influences, I couldn’t wait to check them out. Formed in 2020, this Swedish group brings experience from a whole host of obscure metal bands, with Avsky, Corpsehammer, and Omnizide probably being some of the bigger names. Following their 2022 demo Doom Prayer, the group are now releasing their debut album, Magna Pestilencia.
Listening to Magna Pestilencia, it’s obvious that Abysmal Winds have a particular affinity for Grave Miasma. Like that British group, these Swedes use a lot of groaning tremolos that writhe and hum beneath gruff growling vocals and steady driving rhythms. Things never get too aggressive, with the band instead focused on creating malevolent and cavernous compositions that still manage to have discernible riffs. In keeping with their origins, the group also have a distinct Swedish death metal flair, though that influence surprisingly comes from the drums rather than the guitars. Often, these songs are propelled by the same punky Swedeath beats used by Dismember, Entombed, and the millions of Swedeath bands that came after those two. They also throw in the occasional blast beat or slower moment, though things never get particularly fast or doomy.
Magna Pestilencia by Abysmal Winds
The biggest problem with Magna Pestilencia is that it sticks very rigidly to its formula. Most of these songs simply cruise forward on mid-paced Swedeath beats, and the occasional blast beat or slower moment simply does not offer enough variety to make for a wholly engaging listen. By the album’s second half, I’m practically begging for some sort of crawling doom break, sinister melody, or big crunchy riff that will get my noggin moving. Interestingly, the intro song “Incantation” is actually the most distinct track here, with its basic cavernous melody at least offering something different. Perhaps because of the album’s rigid adherence to its formula, the record also never seems to feel as atmospheric or threatening as the band’s influences.
Fortunately, Magna Pestilencia does some things right. The 31-minute runtime keeps the record from overstaying its welcome, and many of these songs still manage to work in some pretty distinct riffs. Early highlight “Obliteration” shows just how effective the band’s formula can be, with its slow and strained chords sure to earn the appreciation of Grave Miasma fans. “Blood Prison” and “A Slumbering God” feature a faster pace, with “Blood Prison” especially standing out due to its winding main tremolo riff. The closing title track also ends the record well with its particularly harrowing riffs, as if you’ve finally reached the lowest point of some deadly cavern. Finally, the production works well, with splashy cymbals and a smooth sound that still manages to have a raw edge.
When I submitted my application to write here over a decade ago (!!!), the review I included as part of my application package was for Nunslaughter’s Angelic Dread, which I gave a 2.5/5.0. Today, I love that fucking record and would easily score it a point higher. I hope Magna Pestilencia enjoys the same fate. Even though I can’t heartily recommend this album to anyone who isn’t already a huge fan of the style, there’s something genuine about it that keeps me wanting to come back. While the score below reflects how I feel about it today, I have a nagging feeling that this could be the type of album that insidiously grows on you for years to come. If nothing else, it still leaves me very curious to hear what Abysmal Winds will give us next.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: I Hate Records
Website: facebook.com/abysmalwinds
Releases Worldwide: June 21st, 2024
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