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Absu

 
Artist: Absu
 

Group Members:

Equitant Ifernain, Shaftiel, Proscriptor

Similar Artists:

  • Formed: 1989, Dallas, TX
  • Genres: Rock
  • Representative Albums: "Third Storm of Cythraul," "Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001," "Tara"

Biography

First formed as "Dolmen" in 1989 by Shaftiel (vocals/guitar/bass) and Equitant Ifernain (lead guitar, bass), the black/death metal band Absu hails from the least likely of extreme metal watering grounds: Dallas, Texas. By 1991, the name change to Absu (borrowed from ancient Mesopotamian beliefs) had taken effect, two demos, "Immortal Sorcery" and "Return of the Ancients" were in the can, and independent Gothic Records was showing interest in the self-proclaimed "mythological occult metal" group. Drummer/vocalist Proscriptor (a.k.a. Russ R. Givens) joined shortly after the release of the following year's The Temples of Offal E.P., and his academic lyrics and songwriting began to dominate the band, starting with 1993's full-length debut Barathrum. Absu then signed with France's famed Osmose Productions, which issued their subsequent efforts, Sun of Tiphareth (1995), ...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh (E.P., 1995), The Third Storm of Cythraul (1997), and In the Eyes of Ioldánach (E.P., 1998). Each of these displayed increasingly elaborate studies of obscure mysticism (Sumerian, Gaelic, you name it!), and, and led to tours with the likes of Impaled Nazarene and Enslaved, helping Absu carve a position of huge respect within black metal circles. 2001's long-awaited Tara focused on Celtic legend and obtained even greater acclaim, but was the last to feature longtime member Equitant. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide
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Wikipedia: Absu
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This article is about the black metal band. For mesopotamian deity also known as Absu, see Apsû.
Absu
Origin Plano, Texas, USA
Genre(s) Death metal (early)
Black metal
Thrash metal
Years active 1991-present
Associated acts Proscriptor, Equimanthorn, Starchaser Network, Heaven's Devils, Melechesh
Members
Proscriptor McGovern
Zawicizuz
Aethyris MacKay
Ezezu
Former members
Shaftiel
Equitant Ifernain
Kashshapxu
David Athron Mystica
Black Massith
Vastator Terrarum

Absu is a black metal band from Plano, Texas, USA.[1] Their early work leaned towards a death metal sound, but more recently they have incorporated a black and thrash metal sound with some celtic and folk music (which they call "Mythological Occult Metal"). Their lyrical themes are esoteric, including themes of Celtic myths and legends, Sumerian myths and legends, magic, weaponry, and sorcery.

Contents

Biography

The band originally formed as Dolmen in 1989, but changed their name in 1991.[1] The original members were Equitant Ifernain (Guitars, Bass, Lyrics) and Shaftiel (Guitars, Vocals).[1] After recording two demos and releasing an EP they were joined by Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens - Drums, Vocals, Lyrics), David Athron Mystica (Guitars), and Black Massith (Keyboards, Synth, Sequencing). After releasing their first album Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. in 1993, Absu narrowed their line up to a three piece when David Athron Mystica and Black Massith left. For live performances, they recruited the help of Mezzadurus (from Philadelphia Black Thrashers, Bloodstorm) and recorded as a three piece with Shaftiel and Proscriptor sharing vocal duties and Proscriptor taking over keyboard and synth duties as well. The band stayed with this line up for some time. The band's third album, The Third Storm of Cythraul, drew inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology, and continued their intellectual approach.[2]

In 2001, Absu recruited a new second guitarist, Kashshapxu. The band released their fifth album that year, Tara, which featured bagpipes on the title track.[3] This was short lived as soon after that, Equitant left due to musical differences (however, he and Proscriptor still collaborate on other projects to this day). Shortly after that, Proscriptor severely injured his hand in an accident, which required surgery to repair his hand. After almost a year of healing and therapy, he was ready to play again but Shaftiel no longer had any interest in Absu and Kashshapxu had also left the band due to musical differences. Proscriptor then put Absu on hold and decided to work on other projects. During this period he auditioned for Slayer but Slayer eventually went with their original drummer Dave Lombardo. In 2005, Proscriptor and Equitant put together a collection of rare, live and unreleased Absu recordings and released it under the title 'Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001'.

With Absu still on hold, Proscriptor continued to work on other projects including Equimanthorn (with Equitant and members of The Soil Bleeds Black, dark ambient music), Proscriptor (his own project of neo-folk/classic rock fused music), and Starchaser Network (with Equitant and Victorious; electronic art/rock band). Additionally, he was the drummer/vocalist for Melechesh for six years (1999-2005; although still contributes lyrics and vocals) and has done session work with Judas Iscariot, Thornspawn, and Magnus Thorsen. Proscriptor also has his own record label, Tarot Productions.

In May 2007, Prosciptor finally announced the addition of Vastator Terrarum and Aethyris MacKay to the band. In early 2008, Absu announced they had signed with Candlelight Records for their future recordings but will release a 7" EP through Relapse Records. That EP was "Speed N' Spikes", a limited series featuring their first new material in seven years. In March 2008, Vastator Terrarum had left the band but had been replaced by Zawicizuz. In October 2008, the band added ex-Panzram member Ezezu on bass and vocals, after completing the recording of their latest, self-titled album, released on February 16th (Europe) / February 24th, (USA) 2009 on Candlelight Records.[4]

Discography

Studio releases

Additional Releases

  • The Temples of Offal [Demo] (1992)
  • ...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh... [7" EP] (1995)
  • In The Visions Of Ioldánach [Video] (2000)
  • Originators of The Northern Darkness: A Tribute To Mayhem (Absu performs the song "Deathcrush") (2001)
  • L'Attaque Du Tyran: Toulouse, Le 28 Avril 1997 [7" EP] (2007)
  • Gummo (Soundtrack)
  • Split with Demonical [7" EP] (2007)
  • Speed N' Spikes #2 [Split 7" EP with Rumpelstiltskin Grinder] (2008)

Line-Up

Current Members

  • Sir Proscriptor McGovern - Drums & Percussion, Lead Vocals, Mellotron, Lyrics (1992-)
  • Zawicizuz - Guitars, Synthesizers (2007-)
  • Aethyris MacKay - Guitars, Synthesizers (2007-)
  • Ezezu - Bass, Vocals (2008-)

Former Members

  • Vastator Terrarum - Guitars and Backing Vocals (2007)
  • Shaftiel - Guitars and Vocals (1991-2003)
  • Equitant Ifernain - Guitars, Bass (1991-2002)
  • Kashshapxu - Guitars (2001-2003)
  • David Athron Mystica - Guitars (1992-1993)
  • Black Massith - Keyboards, Synth, Sequencing (1992-1993)
  • Mezzadurus - Vocals, Bass (1995-2002; Live Performances Only)

References

  1. ^ a b c Rivadavia, Ed "Absu Biography", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
  2. ^ Huey, Steve "Absu - The Third Storm of Cythraul" (review), Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
  3. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo "Absu - Tara" (review), Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
  4. ^ "ABSU: New Member Announced", Blabbermouth.net, October 21, 2008

External links


 
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Some good "Absu" pages on the web:


Mythology
www.pantheon.org
 
 
 
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Absu (2008 Album by Absu)
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