Finland's Abysmalia have spread their progressive-tinged dark metal since 2007, and 'Replenish Entirety' is their third self-released full length album. I don't know if "dark metal" is a good term for the band, but at least this ain't chirpy stuff, let me tell you... Sometimes it is unbelievable, how quality-wise good music is released independently (after all, this is the band's fourth release already), but Abysmalia are doing this stuff just to please themselves, and not looking for a record deal! You know it has to be soulful, then...

'Replenish Entirety' tells a story about a person awakening to reality, to life behind made-up illusions. The music closely follows all feelings that this character goes through. Beginning with sceptical feel of 'The Inception of Ire', which consists of bizarre math-tempos and suspenseful melodic movements. Angry modern style thrash-meets-technicality song 'Trapped inside a Coil of Illusions' follows. 'Cruelty Inherent' is a blasting modern death metal-ish song, including some tasty melodic stuff, too. 'Coma Receding' alternates between distressing heaviness and poppy easiness (Pink Floyd or Devin Townsend vibes, not Rihanna!). 'For the Redemption of Our Woes' is a tranquil prog metal song, with nice Amorphis tribute towards the end (that reverbing guitar work). The closer 'Coda (The Catharsis Verge)' consists of Jarre-ish synths and pulsating rhythms.

Abysmalia's music is something like a mishmash of Devin Townsend and his many projects, Scar Symmetry, Communion, Dream Theater, and even Stam1na (the second song!). Generally there is a lot to listen to and explore on these songs. The band's style has taken some steps from previous, more thrashy stuff to more progressive sounds, although they've visited those things in the past, too. These seven songs are filled with various vibes between epic and elementary, and tiny details to be found. Varying vocals include brutal growling, that is comprehensible, Devin Townsend-esque angry snarling, and powerful clean singing in vein of Christian Älvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry, Torchbearer, Unmoored etc.) and aforementioned Mr. Townsend.

Sound is of profession quality, and all of the studio work was done by Jouni Koskela (who also sings, plays guitar and has written all the music and lyrics); this sounds kicking, clear and airy. The sole negative remeark must be given about drum machine, which actually sounds okay, but still like a machine, however surprisingly little so. 'Replenish Entirety' is not only available for cheap price, but also via download and free listening. Nice work all around, and worth checking out if you're into modern metal mixing proggy and more extreme bits.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/20/2011 18:06