‘Det stora oväsendet’ is the latest offering from Swedish group Avgrunden (The Abyss). The band plays a drone, doom metal style with an experimental side also. The album is entirely instrumental reinforcing the experimental nature of the group. Opening track ‘Duellen’ has a distinct sound with plucked strings and is reminiscent of a soundtrack to a western that serves as an introduction to ‘Polstjarnan’ that has a more structured style including drum beats and heavier riffs. ‘Tusen Ar’ has a more melancholic feel that is shared with ‘Mylingen’ a consciously slower paced track again employing the western style strings and occasional echoing drum beats as well as wailing guitars. ‘Domedagsklockan’ has an oppressive undertone running through it with a deep sinister bass sound complementing the drums and guitars that evokes a feeling of desolation. ‘Drommen’ on the other hand is suitably climactic with its Mexican standoff style instrumental work. To summarise ‘Det stora oväsendet’ should appeal to fans of experimental or doom metal with the absence of lyrics allowing the music to take centre stage. It’s a relatively short album but the tracks included make up for it. It may also appeal to those who enjoy the works of Ennio Morricone or Gustavo Santaolalla, Morricone’s spaghetti western sound and Santaolalla’s minimalist style are a good fit in the metal genre and is a great investment for those seeking something different in their doom metal. Well worth checking this one out.
Avgrunden is:
Victor Granat (Electric Guitar & Devices), Johan Hägglund (Bass Guitar & Devices), Johan Norberg (Drums).
