Search - Abysmal Dawn :: Programmed to Consume

This band is programmed to stomp!

king beagley | warsaw, in usa | 05/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Abysmal Dawn definitely has my attention right now. they have an ever-changing rhythm in their songs. their vocals and guitarwork vary from song to song. I have yet to hear a bad song. they are all good. if you don't have this album in your collection, this is the album to buy."

Three stars doesn't do it justice

Dustin French | St. Charles, MO United States | 10/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Three stars does not, DOES NOT do this album justice. Therefore, I must weigh in my positive review:



Relapse includes an insert which says "for fans of Necrophagist"; this is NOT tech-death. It also says, "for fans of At The Gates"; this is NOT melo-death. Relapse Records, like any corporation, needs to make money... unfortunately, their marketing campaign may not be as educated as the common metalhead (see: ME!). The best comparison I will make is to modern Cannibal Corpse. If you have purchased or enjoyed anything post Gore Obsessed, you will most likely enjoy this album.



First off, Abysmal Dawn's key ingredient is rhythm. Listen to the drummist, and prepare to be amazed! You will not find this kind of talent and pure affinity for the genre in any standard death metal band (I hate to use Deicide as a counter-example, but I must). Secondly, there is no melody to be found, WHATSOEVER. For people who despise bands like Trivium, this is such a relief! Melodic vocals and/or riffs are welcome every now and then, but not required, in death metal. The riffs aren't ground-breaking, but are heavy as a freight train! Just like modern Cannibal Corpse, a riff can only be so inventive; but meld with it a progressive mentality, and the proof will lie in the pudding. Lastly, Abysmal Dawn doesn't play solos like they're going out of style, they play them when they should naturally occur. Many bands either lack or far-exceed in the soloing department, but here is a band which feels completely natural with their solos, much akin to Cannibal Corpse.



Abysmal Dawn doesn't necessarily sound like Cannibal Corpse; but they exhibit many common traits. This band isn't ground-breaking, but they aren't genre-defying either. So I ask you, what's wrong with a band like this? If you're like me, the answer is, "nothing". I'm damn proud to have spent $15 for an album which gets regular play on my ZuneHD. I will never, ever turn down a modern death metal band which exemplifies this level of skill, knowledge and passion for the genre as Abysmal Dawn. And if my review wasn't helpful to you, do me a favor and listen to track 5, "A Remission of Life." Prepare to be bludgeoned!"