Creating gut-wrenching, pulverizing Death and Doom Metal that embodies the best aspects of those two styles, this American beast is back armed with their scorching sophomore album.
Creating gut-wrenching, pulverizing Death and Doom Metal that embodies the best aspects of those two styles, Columbus, Ohio’s own creature Abyssal Rift is back with the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 debut Extirpation Dirge, their sophomore beast titled Relics of Great Ash. Formed of Matt Auxier on lead vocals, guitars, synths and programming, Mike Sliclen on bass and backing vocals, and Brandon Smith on drums, percussion and backing vocals, not to mention Brandon Smith and Mike Sliclen were also responsible for the drawings and cover photo, respectively, Abyssal Rift managed to mix Death and Doom Metal all up without losing coherency or their asphyxiating grip on the listener, resulting in an engrossing, diligent album rife with downright wicked riffs, an ominous atmosphere, and some insane structuring, more so than most others in the vein, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Incantation, Disembowelment, Saevus Finis, and Cruciamentum.
There’s no hope in sight as the trio kicks off the album in full force with Consummate Design, where the evil vociferations by Matt walk hand in hand with the stunning drums by Brandon, while the title-track Relics of Great Ash brings forward an amalgamation of dark sounds from Death and Doom Metal intertwined with cryptic, atmospheric passages, resulting in a wild beast of sheer obscurity. Then venturing through the realms of Progressive and Dissonant Death Metal we have The Enlightenment (There Was Never Will), with Mike’s bass and Brandon’s drums offering Matt all he needs to roar like a demonic entity. The Death of God showcases a more direct fusion of Death and Doom Metal, with all vocals and instruments breathing fire into our putrid souls, whereas Surrealistic Visions sounds and feels utterly chaotic and visceral from the very first second until the end, with Brandon stealing the show with his demented beats and fills. Finally, Sphere of Perpetuity is a pure Doom Metal onrush by the trio, dragging us all to pitch black darkness to the sound of their sluggish, devilish guitars, bass and drums.
For a band like Abyssal Rift, the music is far more intricate and involved than it seems, with moments of it being fleshed out or slowed down if only to emphasize the unfathomable heaviness. At other times, the music builds in intensity until it reaches a crescendo, to be followed by a filthy, chugging part, a ripping solo, or a transcendental or industrial-tinged atmospheric passage. This is exactly what you’ll get in Relics of Great Ash, which you can purchase from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store or EU store, and don’t forget to also check what the band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream their dark creations on Spotify. The second Death and Doom Metal attack by Abyssal Rift will certainly help them spread their obscurity and violence to even further lands, and if that’s an indication of where those guys are headed to with their future releases, the world will certainly be a much darker place.
Best moments of the album: Consummate Design and Surrealistic Visions.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Transcending Obscurity Records
Track listing
1. Consummate Design 5:28
2. Relics of Great Ash 8:03
3. The Enlightenment (There Was Never Will) 4:31
4. The Death of God 6:22
5. Surrealistic Visions 4:50
6. Sphere of Perpetuity 6:58
Band members
Matt Auxier – lead vocals, guitars, synths, programming
Mike Sliclen – bass, backing vocals
Brandon Smith – drums, percussion, backing vocals
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 