Less than a year after leaving the mighty IMMORTAL, Abbath emerges with the debut of his second solo album (counting I’s Between Two Worlds).  Naturally, Abbath picks up where 2009’s All Shall Fall left off with the type of battle hymns that has been IMMORTAL’s bread and butter.  Additionally, he injects some death, thrash and classic metal influences.  The result is an album that is not only epic and cold but also, arguably, more brutal in parts than IMMORTAL has been for a very long time.  The hills and valleys throughout Abbath embody the characteristics of any classic metal album.  For, virtually, every slower song, there is a scorcher that follows.  The anthems, memorable choruses, and the hooks always just hit at the right points.

Joining Abbath are bassist King ov Hell (ex-GORGORTH, AUDREY HORNE, SAHG) and drummer Creature (BENIGHTED, DISAVOWED).  Both members put on integral, stellar performances.  It should be noted that King ov Hell’s bass is loud as fuck, the way bass should be.

Opening track, “To War!,” starts off like recent SEPULTURA and KRISIUN before blazing forward with an epic storm of blasts.  The chorus on “Count the Dead” sounds like it could fit onto an early OZZY album.  The spirit of BATHORY can be proudly found throughout.

Make sure to pick up a version of the album with the bonus tracks.  Their cover of PRIEST’s “Riding on the Wind” is so balls out.

Going solo can often lead to less than stellar results.  Thankfully, that is not the case with Abbath.  One of the best albums of the year for sure.  (Season of Mist)