VoidCeremony – Abditum

Abditum is the third full-length album by VoidCeremony. Released through 20 Buck Spin, Abditum unfurls with a sense of arcane design where ‘twisting riffs clash and converge in unforseen sequences’. Quintet responsible for creation of this experimental and progressive death metal nine-tracker record are; Garrett Johnson – Wandering Mind (guitars & vocals), Jayson McGehee – The Archonoclast (guitar), The Great Righteous Destroyer – Damon Good – Stargazer, Mournful Congregation and Ben Ricci – The Absent Deity (bass co-conspirators) and Dylan Marks – live Atheist (drums).

Abditum showcases the band who’s in continous search for purpose and meaning within the aforementioned chaotic riff-structures, technical precision, while mantaining the cohesive nature of their songwriting. As just said, the songwriting is cohesive and wild with often some chaotic transitions. Bass tandem creates a cacophony of hellish and almost jazz-inflected discord and unpredictable and experimental texture. The two guitarists deliver equally tight, intricate and perfectly structured riffs & captivating solos. Drumming is vigorous, precise and thrilling/exhilarating, while the vocals (provided by Garrett Johnson) are a prominent and gory death metal growls, contrasting those jazz-influenced and melodic passages.

Production is excellent, giving special attention on atmosphere and clear mixing that allows all instruments to be heard. Although I would say that the album’s density means that many details can be missed on the first listen, and therefore most fans will find new things to discover with each subsequent playthrough of Abditum (released on CD/LP/Tape/Digital formats).

In conclusion; Abditum is without doubt a step up from band’s 2023 album Threads of Unknowing, featuring an enhanced intensity and improved musicianship. Fans of experimental progressive death metal will find plenty to admire, thus Abditum is a must-listen for all fans of the genre, especially those into Stargazer, Pestilence, Morbid Angel, Atheist, Between the Buried and Me, Immolation etc.

For additional information on this particular third full-length instalment from VoidCeremony visit label’s bandcamp.