As the title of this sinister-looking release so neatly suggests, this 2-CD (or 2-LP, if you prefer vinyl) collection compiles and chronicles the first few years of Abigor’s existence and their early forays into the realm of harsh black metal carrying an unearthly vibe. From the beginning these Austrian purveyors of all things dark and satanic had a sound and musical identity of their own, and underneath the crude riffs, unrefined production, and inhuman vocals lied a pulsating and vibrant atmosphere that spoke of fury, malice, and intent.
Ash Nazg…, Lux Devicta Est, Promo Tape 2/94, Moonrise, and In Hate & Sin are all represented here in their wonderful analogue and somewhat lo-fi splendour, and although the quality of the material varies throughout, there are some proper blackened gems to be discovered that are more than worthy of your time. Propelled forward by a certain youthful vigour and deep-seated anger, the spirit of vitriol that courses through the songs shows that these chaps were on a mission from the get-go in that some of the group’s trademarks, quirks, and characteristics that made later outputs and albums such rewarding experiences reared their ugly heads very early on. You could certainly do worse than giving unfiltered tracks ala the fierce ‘Filii Septemtrionum/Diabolic Unity’, the catchy ‘Universe of Black Divine’, and the epic ‘My Soft Vision in Blood’ several spins. One can also discern a development from the raw attack of Ash Nazg… (1993) to Moonrise (1994) in the sense that the arrangements became slightly more adventurous and unorthodox over a short period of time, and the musicianship inevitably became stronger. Having said that, several of the more experimental pieces seldom come across as cohesive or memorable, which ties in with what was stated earlier on about the quality of the entire compilation ebbing and flowing quite a bit.
One could easily be led to believe that Demos 1993-1994 primarily appeals to fans of the band and that there is more historical value to it than actual musical worth, but such thinking would undermine the fact that there are some finely crafted and memorable tracks to be found that evoke the stench of sulfur and the feel of murky yet passionate underground black metal from a bygone age. This is a fascinating musical document that not only displays Abigor’s humble beginnings but also their aspirations to become something more than their peers, something with the ability to effortlessly churn out bone-freezing compositions that defied some of the established norms and conventions within the genre. Abigor always managed to sound unlike any other act out there – even back in 1993 – and this double disc set is more than a mere curiosity containing obscure recordings from a claustrophobic cavern.
Demos 1993-1994 will be released by Darkness Shall Rise Productions on February 27, 2025.
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