Abgott
Fizala (Re-Mastered)
8.7
The world of Black Metal is more often than not a cowardly one. Bound to tradition and a ‘true’ ideal, those who step beyond the formula stand to lose face or fade into obscurity. But there are those who follow… and those who lead. Just remember that history favors leaders.
Hailing from the most catholic of nations, Abgott continue the legacy of revered Italian Black Metal act, Bulldozer. While they may be the wretched spawn of those who have gone before, they spread tattered wings in defiance of a stagnant sound and the singular belief that music should remain as it began. Yes you heard me, experimental Black Metal – a portal to a realm of voices, unsettling sounds and blackened shredding. Tread carefully.
Fusing the fruits of madness with unknowable evil, Abgott’s latest work, Fizala dives headfirst into the world of H.P. Lovecraft, an early 20th century novelist who scribed tales of insanity, otherworldly beings and an elder god of supreme malevolence – Cthulhu. Though not an uncommon theme in black metal, none I have witnessed portray it as they should. (The last who tried… and failed were Cradle of Filth)
Fizala can be characterized by its extremely unnatural approach – the untrained ear will hear a chorus of unrelated noise, but every piece has its place, woven carefully into a web of intrigue. Since the album is separated into 7 ‘books’ which don’t reveal the names of any of the eleven tracks I couldn’t possibly give you an example, but the album floats from melody to morbidity speckled with ‘cyber satanic synth’ (and I ain’t talking Grand Declaration of War here).
The one they call Agamoth, composer and band founder, has a few visible influences. The name Abbath certainly comes to mind when his vocals ring furiously through the album. Over the hail of ridiculously technical songs, a sickly growl splits violently into a tempest of screams and subtle drums beat mercilessly in the distance. On occasion a chilling piano section will make its way into a song without bloating the piece and undermining the music with a symphonic sound.
There are also a few tracks purely dedicated to atmospherics, some of them could easily be called disturbing. Voices morph from English to Italian and sometimes no language at all while monotonous beats and chilling samples swirl in the background panning through your speakers like a restless ghost. The album’s production is unexpectedly well executed for a Black Metal release - it’s not too raw, but at the same time it’s no Peter Tagtgren job either. Every element is exposed to the ears brilliantly… and there are some things that you’ll only hear… if you listen for them.
But every pleasure has its price. And every virtue… has a vice. You’ll only find Fizala if you look hard, and when you do, just take care that you don’t part with your sanity as well as your cash.
