Abhordium - When Depravity Incarnates (Inverse Records) By: Sara Heitman

[7/10] If you missed this 2011 release, When Depravity Incarnates, may you now allow it to be considered for your next death metal spree of new shit. Hailing from the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe, this Finnish quartet plays death metal with a twist. Abhordium unleashes an uncompromising attack on the world through their manic version of metal chaos.

At first, elements of this first full-length venture reminded me of Hate (mostly their early death metal style, with a mix of industrial influence thrown in). Take opener, "Cursed Phenomenon," for example. The pulsating sounds imitating heavy machinery make for a cold and emotionless entrance. Intense growling vocals serve as a warning for the aural clobbering which is about to commence.

“Depravity Withering" is solid enough to stand on its own, and has one of those earworm riffs, making it a memorable track. There is an excellent showcase of the drums as well as a variety of growls in "Shades of the Horns." One of the most interesting songs of the album is "Abyss Portal." The swirling typhoon of guitars makes it seem as if we have fallen down Alice's endless rabbit hole; plunging deeper and deeper into Abhordium's sinister abyss.

Is it just me, or can you hear where Abhordium could possibly head in a more melodic direction, toward the end of "Abyss Portal?" However, would adding a little symphonic variety contribute toward the complexity of Abhordium's sound, or would it instead detract from the violent stomping session that would otherwise ensue? The more I listen to Abhordium's When Depravity Incarnates, I find myself wondering, "What's next?"

www.abhordium.com