I love a no-nonsense band like ABYSMAL DAWN. These LA death metal monsters are off to a great start with their first full length, “From Ashes”. They’re certainly not out to change the world with their heavily NWOSDM inspired slaughter fest, but what they do they do incredibly well.

The great thing is that the production on this album sounds exceptionally good for this style—not like the countless hollow, amateur sounding local bands I’ve heard, nor do they try and lay claim to the scratchy guitar sound of EDGE OF SANITY, DISMEMBER, CARNAGE, ENTOMBED and all the other Swedish bands that must have greatly influenced him. No sir, this all sounds clear and fresh. The songs found within are exactly how you want them, too… not too long, and just chaotic and varied enough so as not to bore you. The whole thing is most reminiscent of very early THERION a la “Beyond Sanctorum”: C-tuned death metal madness that is a small step above the pack. Oh, and for those of you worried about this sort of thing, the guitar work has the perfect amount of flashiness and the bass drums are not a high-pitched click a la KATAKLYSM.

What’s funny is that this was sent to me the same time as a 2 song demo from a mallcore band from the same exact label. Well, I guess you gotta take the good with the bad, right? I can say with all confidence that it’s been a long time since I’ve heard this style played with this kind of spirit. So if you want some serious Swedish-sounding death metal from the good ol’ US of A, this is the one to get.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.abysmaldawn.com

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