| The Abyss 'Summon The Beast' Nuclear Blast , 1996 Lord Pale : The Abyss consists of all three Hypocrisy members playing different instruments to those they normally do in Hypocrisy and playing speed driven satanic blackmetal . The band is obviously talented and can write some truely memorable blackened riffing , but its pretty much treading familiar territory with the whinning Nordic sound . I tend not to like music of this kind with lyrics that focus solely upon satanic themes , especially if they lack the evil atomosphere to back it up which The Abyss don't have . This said there is still some worth in this release , the riffs are great , the drumming although blastbeat orientated is varied and interesting and the first track 'Satan's Majestic Empire' is a classic ( great name too ) . The production is clear although not overly powerful and as aforementioned the main problem with this disc is its total lack of atmosphere , it comes across as well crafted professionalised blackmetal . The 8 tracks clock in at just under 30 minutes so value for money is an issue , but a fair release overall . Favourite Tracks - Satan's Majestic Empire , Blessed With The Wrath Of Evil , Cursed Mark - 6.5/10 |
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