Purveyors of Vampiric Doom Metal, Abysmal Grief, have been lurking in the shadows since 1996. The “Mors Eleison” (English: Death have mercy?) EP was originally pressed on vinyl and set loose upon the world in 2006. Only now, 13 years later, is it seeing the light of day in CD format thanks to Sun & Moon Records.
The EP begins with the title track, which is heavier than a 300lb man’s coffin. I wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror if I didn’t draw comparisons between Abysmal Grief and Type O Negative, early Black Crucifixion, and Black Sabbath. But, there are elements of Necromantia, Moonspell, Mystifier, and even The Doors here too. This track and the next, which is a cover song, walk with heavy steps down the narrow corridors of your ear canals.
However, this EP’s sunlight is the next track, “The Shroud“. It’s keyboards doing very little accompanied by (sampled?) dialogue. This track might be good background music when luring victims into thick fog, but it’s nearly six minute length becomes tedious for those of us with limited time on the planet.
A mere mortal could, justifiably, argue that there’s nothing particularly original about “Mors Eleison“. But I would argue that good riffs are good riffs, and good songs are good songs. And, this EP will still be good in 300 years. It gets under your skin.
Rating – 4.5/5
The Metal Wanderlust 