Absu

This article is about the black metal band. For mesopotamian deity also known as Absu, see Apsû.

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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.

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

• Barathrum: Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultul Lapidem (V.I.T.R.I.O.L.) - (1993)
• The Sun of Tiphareth - (1995)
• The Third Storm of Cythraul - (1997)
• In the Eyes of Ioldánach [EP] - (1998)
• Tara - (2001)
• Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 - (2005)
• Absu - (2009)

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

External links

• ABSU Official Homepage - NOTE: Under Construction
• ABSU @ Myspace - ABSU Official Myspace Page
• Candlelight Records - ABSU's Record Label
• Tarot Productions - Proscriptor's Record Label
• Absu (interview), Voices From The Darkside