IX by Absinthius
After five years in the shadows, a dark horse of the New Zealand metal scene emerges in Melbourne, Australia under the guise of "Absinthius". His debut solo-album "IX" is a ferocious aural assault and a vividly illustrated journey into the lowest circle of Hell, themed entirely on "Inferno" from "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. This masterfully crafted composition is a swirling maelstrom of mind-melting intricacy, showcasing skin-blistering speed and technicality. Riffs of lumbering sludge and spine-severing slam are cut by a bleak ambiance and passages of droning symphonic interludes. Guest artist Josh Sagar delivers a phenomenally blood-curdling vocal performance throughout the album, wickedly incarnating the demonic voices of the underworld.
"IX" delivers a nostalgic overview of the evolution of modern metal over the last nine years, containing the bones of songs written for a catalogue of projects and collaborations, fused seamlessly with a deluge of all new material. Vocal lines were recorded by Lewis Noke-Edwards over numerous sessions at SAE in South Melbourne.
Godfrey Atlantis superbly illustrates the beasts and minions of the Inferno with astonishing digital artwork, brought to life in print and available only with the Limited Edition Compact Disc (50 copies only).
This behemoth of a record is best experienced in its entirety through quality headphones, on a dark and stormy night, accompanied by a bottle of absinthe and a roaring fire...
Tracklist
| 1. | Abandon All Hope | 1:29 |
| 2. | Of Wasps and Worms | 4:24 |
| 3. | The Carnal Tempest | 4:26 |
| 4. | Unholy Trinity I - Of Wolves | 1:32 |
| 5. | Vile Deluge | 3:42 |
| 6. | By Avarice Conscripted | 3:23 |
| 7. | The Mire of Wrath | 5:01 |
| 8. | Unholy Trinity II - Of Serpents | 1:43 |
| 9. | Interred Aflame | 4:29 |
| 10. | From Igneous Veins | 6:10 |
| 11. | Unholy Trinity III - The Wyvern | 1:56 |
| 12. | The Sowers of Discord | 6:59 |
| 13. | Impious Majesty | 8:15 |
Credits
Music and lyrics by Paul Blomfield
Vocals by Josh Sagar
Vocals recorded by Lewis Noke-Edwards at SAE South Melbourne
Mixed and Mastered by Paul Blomfield
