Description
“Primal, abrasive, cathartic, pessimist, and decidedly evil” is how guitarist/vocalist Jean-Baptiste Le Bail describes the blackened death metal of SVART CROWN. After the much lauded “Profane” in 2013, “Abreaction” now marks the first release on new label home Century Media Records and offers a blasphemous, highly intense sound fans of Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Immolation or Deathspell Omega should be able to connect with immediately. Rejuvenated and re-spirited by the addition drummer Kévin Paradis and guitarist Kevin Verlay (both from French act Agressor), SVART CROWN returns to 2017 darker and deadlier. Successfully maturing and refining the band’s sound and dynamics since “Profane”, “Abreaction” is not only blessed with a transparent, powerful yet utterly organic production by long-time collaborator Francis Caste, but also impresses with ambitious yet accessible songcraft. Seven minute tracks like “The Pact: To The Devil His Due” or “Transsubstantiation” with their crushing crawl as well as insane blastfests such as “Upon This Intimate Madness” and “Orgasmic Spritual Ecstasy” keep a pitch black atmosphere throughout and fascinate with a perfect balance of technicality, dynamics and memorability. “Abreaction” is a glorious, dark monstrosity and early highlight of 2017. It was mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel (Dissection, Asphyx, Iced Earth) and includes a LP-sized booklet in the vinyl edition whereas the digipak folds out in a cross-like shape.