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Absu (band)

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Absu is a black/thrash/death metal band ("Mythological Occult Metal") from Dallas Texas, USA. Their lyrical themes usually included Celtic myths and legends, and Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology.

Statistics

Biography

Absu was formed in 1991 by Equitant Ifernain (a/k/a Ray) and Shaftiel (a/k/a Michael). Shortly after that, they were joined by Proscriptor McGovern (a/k/a Russ Givens). The self-proclaimed "Mythological Occult Metal" band ABSU hails from Dallas Texas and has maintained a steady following in the extreme metal underground for a number of years now. They are usually labelled a black metal band, and often referred to as one of the best American black metal bands, but though black metal tendencies are quite evident (vocals in particular), their style encompasses much more. There are several places where old school thrash riffs can be heard, played at hyperspeed. Frequently the speed is exhausting, earning special marks for drummer Proscriptor, clearly one of the fastest and most talented drummers playing today. Lyrically, Absu is clearly on another plane, as a quick glance of their song titles can attest, with studies in Celtic myths and legends, Azif's theology of the Necronomicon Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology (especially under the powers of Dumuzi, Uruk, and the infamous Ugalla-demons), Etymology of Thoth, Tasseomancy, Sorcery, and weaponry skills of Cnihthad. In case you are curious, all members of ABSU are American.

The band has been silent for some time now but drummer Proscriptor states that they will return. Before that, Proscriptor teamed with former guitarist/bassist Equitant to remaster some old tracks and put together a double compilation album full of rare, unreleased, alternate, live, and cover songs that are either out of print or extremely hard to get. This will be released in September of 2005.

Discography

Studio Releases

  • Barathrum: Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultul Lapidem (V.I.T.R.I.O.L.) - (1993)
  • The Sun of Tiphareth - (1995)
  • The Third Storm of Cythraul - (1997)
  • In The Eyes of Ioldánach [EP] - (1998)
  • Tara - (2001)
  • Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 - (2005)

Additional Releases (including Unreleased Material)

Demos & Other:

  • Immortal Sorcery [Demo] (1991)
  • The Temples of Offal [Demo] (1991)
  • ...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh... [7"] (1995)
  • In The Visions Of Ioldánach [Video] (2000)

Single Studio Tracks:

  • Never Blow Out the Eastern Candle - Recorded for "World Domination" CD (Later re-recorded for 'In The Eyes of Ioldánach' EP) (1994)
  • Akhera Goiti - Akhera Beiti (One Black Opalith For Tomorrow) - Recorded for the " ...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh..." 7" (Also appeared as a bonus track on 'The Third Storm of Cythraul' Digipak CD) (1997)
  • The Gold Torques Of Ulaid - Recorded for "Gummo" Movie Soundtrack (1997)
  • ...Of Celtic Fire, We Are Born including Terminus (...In The Eyes of Ioldánach) - Appeared on "World Domination II" CD (Taken From 'The Third Storm of Cythraul' CD) (1997)
  • From Ancient Times (Starless Skies Burn To Ash) - Appeared on "World Domination IV" Double CD (Taken From 'Tara' CD) (2001)"

Cover Songs:

  • Bestial Invasion - Recorded for the Destruction Tribute CD (1996)
  • Transylvania - Recorded for the Iron Maiden Tribute CD (1998)
  • Swing of the Axe - Recorded for the Possessed Tribute CD (1999)
  • Silvester Anfang / Deathcrush - Recorded for the Mayhem Tribute CD (Also appeared on "World Domination IV" Double CD) (2001)

Unreleased Recordings:

  • Thrashstorms 7" [EP] - A collection of cover songs (see above). Was supposed to be released by Relapse Records in 1998 but was cancelled.
  • Hallstattian Swords 7" [EP] - A live song from 1995 and three unreleased instrumental tracks. It was supposed to be released by Blood Fire Death Records in 2002 but never was officially.

Current Members

  • Proscriptor McGovern (Russ Givens) - Drums/Synth/Vocals - (1992-)

Former Members

  • Shaftiel (Lord of All Shadows) - Guitars, Vocals - (1991-2003)
  • Lord Equitant Alastor Ifernain - Guitars, Bass - (1991-2001)
  • Mezzadurus - Bass, Vocals (Live Only) - (1995-1998)
  • Kashshapxu - Guitars - (2001-2003)
  • David Athron Mystica - Drums - (1992-1993)
  • Black Massith - Keyboards/Synth - (1992-1993)
  • Lynette - Female Vocals - (1993-1995)
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