After parting ways with Immortal, legendary black metal frontman Abbath formed his own solo project under his own name. For this endeavor, he recruited King of Hell bassist/drummer Creature along with several other influential musicians from within the scene.
Songwriting and guitar riffs are this project’s strength; their catchy yet brutal and grotesque melodies are easily memorable. Unfortunately, these efforts are often undermined by inaccurate mixings that obscure ideas as well as Abbath’s lack of vocal dexterity.
Immortal
Immortal are one of black metal’s most influential acts, having made their debut in the early 90s and being famed for their unique blend of epic fantasy with battle-torn settings reminiscent of hellfire, demons, and snow. Since their debut they have endured several lineup changes but remain an ever present force within the genre with one major exception being their 2003 break up and subsequent 2008 comeback.
As soon as the band reunited, two key members began fighting over who owned the name Immortal: Demonaz (real name Harald Naevdal) and Horgh (Reidar Horghagen). Abbath claimed he is the sole composer/singer in the group so he couldn’t just let Horgh continue using it without consulting with him first.
This dispute recalls earlier legal wrangles over bands such as Dio and Marilyn Manson, and could ultimately result in both parties with records bearing their name but no band backing it up. Abbath has taken refuge in his self-titled project which will release an album via Season of Mist later this year.
Dread Reaver
Abbath Band‘s third album feels more like an eccentric uncle than their previous two efforts. Abbath himself channels Immortal’s clownish persona on display here with him donning horns and devil mask on cover art – now joined by Mia Wallace (also from Nervosa) playing bass (also with Nervosa), Ole Andre Farstad on guitar, and Finnish drummer Ukri Suvilehto for this offering of classic black metal combined with epic melodic blackened thrash. Wallace excels with her punchy bass lines!
This album by the riff-maestro features his unique blend of blistering speed metal, traditional metal influences and cold black metal for an unmistakably signature sound. His high-energy, balls-to-the-wall performance cements this as the quintessential anthem for metal mayhem! Although there may be minor issues with it compared to previous releases (most notably lack of intensity), nevertheless this record remains an enjoyable listen.
To War
Abbath stands as one of black metal’s iconic figures; an imposing Viking with incoherent, inscrutable lyrics that reflect his Norwegian homeland as inspiration for his music. On “Harvest Pyre,” his first song from his forthcoming album, Abbath delivers skull-rattling riffs with relentless urgency while bassist Mia Wallace, drummer Ukri Suvilehto and guitarist Ole Farstad lock into an atmosphere similar to an Immortal album.
Olve Eikemo – better known by his stage name Abbath Doom Occulta – may have played a more modest part in the Second Wave than Varg Vikernes and Euronymous; nevertheless he contributed substantially in setting its mood and setting its agenda. Blashyrkh remains both iconic and mythological to him and continues to take shape through Abbath Band.
After departing Immortal, Abbath began an eponymous project with drummer Armagedda and bassist King ov Hell from Gorgoroth. Last year they released Northern Chaos Gods to critical acclaim from fans everywhere in metal world.
Winter Bane
As with At the Heart of Winter, this album showcases Abbath’s ability to write consistently catchy riffs within black metal’s constraints. His incredible talent shines on songs like To War, an uptempo headbanger powered by King Ov Hell (Gorgoroth) on bass guitar and Kevin Foley (benighted) on drums; Creature adds melodic flourishes not usually heard in Black Metal songs by playing rhythm guitar for this band and providing additional rhythm guitar work – such as creating To War.
Abbath’s growls retain that distinctive, classic gurgling quality that made him so well-known, and they sound better than ever on this record. My personal highlight from Count the Dead was its mesmerizing guitar solo that reignited my admiration of Abbath as a guitarist; other tracks Fenrir Hunts and Root of the Mountain showed they are not afraid of taking risks when it comes to black metal music.