Abnabak
« Under the Mask of Humanity »
Self-Released/Independent
2013
When Scandinavia bolstered the misanthropic art of grim Black Metal in the early nineties, many fellow alumni from far and wide began to develop their own brand of noise, complete with influences native to their own culture. Abnabak from Morocco is one such band which has taken the aesthetic and had firmly planted their seed with premier album, “Under the Mask of Humanity”, out now.
Being shrouded in relative obscurity, not much is known of these dark souls. They aren’t even inducted into Metal-Archives.com! “Lo-fi , cold and remorseless” can easily describe essentially what Abnabak have contributed to the genre. “Hate” uses some of the depressive, drone work of bands such as Krohm, Judas Iscariot or Xasthur. Although, not very technical, the song structure boasts repetition to allow for gloom to properly sink in as shrill vocals overlap mid-paced melancholy. “From War” also displays a strong penchant for the morose; however the sound is slightly more threatening in nature and includes an underlying hostility throughout.
“Misanthrope” and “There is a Period to Everything” both share similar attributes, but add touches of hectic fury in their drumming and tremolo guitar picking. Structurally, they offer more variety, style-wise and run the gamut of rhythms and pacing which only benefit the album as a whole.
Abnabak’s, “Under the Mask of Humanity” does exhibit many commonalities with other grim, “necro” sounding bands but what the album may lack in originality, it makes up for in conviction and quality. Well played and easy to listen to, the Moroccan troupe has released a debut that may stoke the fires if they have the foresight to distinguish themselves on future releases.
Standout Tracks: “Hate”, Misanthrope”
7/10
