Absu is a black/thrash/death metal band ("Mythological Occult Metal") from Plano, Texas, USA. Their lyrical themes usually included Celtic myths and legends, and Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology.
Genre: Black metal
Country: United States
Status: Active
Time: 1991-
Absu was formed in 1991 by Equitant Ifernain (guitars/bass) and Shaftiel (guitars/vocals). Shortly after that, they were joined by Proscriptor McGovern (drums/vocals) as well as David Athron Mystica guitars (guitars), and Black Massith (synth/programming). The self-proclaimed "Mythological Occult Metal" band ABSU hails from Dallas Texas and has maintained a steady following in the extreme metal underground for a number of years now. They are usually labelled a black metal band, and often referred to as one of the best American black metal bands, but though black metal tendencies are quite evident (vocals in particular), their style encompasses much more. There are several places where old school thrash riffs can be heard, played at hyperspeed. Frequently the speed is exhausting, earning special marks for drummer Proscriptor, clearly one of the fastest and most talented drummers playing today. Lyrically, Absu is clearly on another plane, as a quick glance of their song titles can attest, with studies in Celtic myths and legends, Azif's theology of the Necronomicon Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology (especially under the powers of Dumuzi, Uruk, and the infamous Ugalla-demons), Etymology of Thoth, Tasseomancy, Sorcery, and weaponry skills of Cnihthad.
After releasing their first album 'Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.', Absu narrowed their line up to a three piece when David Athron Mystica and Black Massith left. They continued on with the help of session members for tours (most notably, Mezzadurus from Philadelphia Black Thrashers, Bloodstorm) and recorded as a three piece with Shaftiel and Proscriptor sharing vocal duties and Proscriptor taking over synth duties as well. They recorded 'The Sun of Tiphareth',(1995); The Third Storm of Cythraul (1997) and 'In The Eyes Of Ioldanach' (1998), all which gained cult status in the US and Worldwide Metal Underground. In 2001 they recorded their masterpiece 'Tara' and received glowing reviews for it. They even finally recruited a fourth member, Kashshapxu (guitars) and things looked well for Absu to record their next album, simply titled "Absu". However, a long series of events would put Absu at a standstill and almost completely derail the band. First, longtime guitarist/bassist Equitant left due to musical differences (However, he and Proscriptor still collaborate on other projects to this day). Then Proscriptor severely injured his hand in an accident, requiring surgery. 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. With no members, Proscriptor decided to work on other projects and put Absu aside.
In 2002, Proscriptor was offered the chance to audition for Slayer and came in second or third (conflicting reports). He did not join due to conflicting beliefs. Proscriptor himself later stated that he would have only joined for one album and then stepped down. Proscriptor did stay busy as he recorded with Equimanthorn (with Equitant and members of The Soil Bleeds Black), Proscriptor (his own project of neo-folk/classic rock fused music) and Melechesh, a black metal band from Jerusalem (but now relocated). Additionally, Proscriptor keeps busy with his own label, Tarot Productions.
Absu has been silent for some time now but Proscriptor states that they will return in time. Before the full return of Absu, Proscriptor teamed with former member Equitant to remaster some old tracks and put together a double compilation album full of rare, unreleased, alternate, live, and cover songs that are either out of print or extremely hard to get (many of which are shown below). This will be released in September of 2005. Proscriptor states again that Absu has not disbanded and urges everyone to be patient as he recruits a new line up and writes new material. In the meantime, fans of Proscriptor's drumming can hear him drumming for Demonic Christ's next album, scheduled for a late 2005/early 2006 release.
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 (2CD/2LP) - (2005) (Release Date is in September)
Demos & Other:Immortal Sorcery Demo (1991)
The Temples of Offal Demo (1992)
...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh... 7" (1995)
In The Visions Of Ioldánach Video (2000)
Single Studio Tracks:Never Blow Out the Eastern Candle - Recorded for 'World Domination' Compilation (1994)
Akhera Goiti - Akhera Beiti (One Black Opalith For Tomorrow) - Recorded for the '...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh...' 7" (1997)
The Gold Torques Of Ulaid - Recorded for (Gummo) Movie Soundtrack (1997)
Cover Songs:Transylvania - Recorded for 'A Call To Irons - A Tribute To Iron Maiden' (1998)
Swing of the Axe - Recorded for 'Seven Gates Of Horror - A Tribute To Possessed' (1999)
Deathcrush featuring Silvester Anfang - Recorded for 'Originators Of Northern Darkness - A Tribute To Mayhem' (2001)
Proscriptor McGovern (Russ Givens) - Drums/Synth/Vocals - (1992-)
Shaftiel (Lord of All Shadows) - Guitars, Vocals - (1991-2003)
Lord Equitant Alastor Ifernain - Guitars, Bass - (1991-2001)
Mezzadurus - Bass, Vocals (Live Only) - (1995-1998)
Kashshapxu - Guitars - (2001-2003)
David Athron Mystica - Drums - (1992-1993)
Black Massith - Keyboards/Synth - (1992-1993)
Lynette - Female Vocals - (1993-1995)
ABSU Official Homepage
ABSU Forum
Osmose Productions - ABSU's Record Label
Tarot Productions - Proscriptor's Record Label
Proscriptor - Proscriptor's "Solo" Band
Equimanthorn - Sumerian Music collaboration between Absu and The Soil Bleeds Black members
Melechesh - Mesophotamian Band Proscriptor plays drums for
Statistics
Biography
Absu was formed in 1991 by Equitant Ifernain (guitars/bass) and Shaftiel (guitars/vocals). Shortly after that, they were joined by Proscriptor McGovern (drums/vocals) as well as David Athron Mystica guitars (guitars), and Black Massith (synth/programming). The self-proclaimed "Mythological Occult Metal" band ABSU hails from Dallas Texas and has maintained a steady following in the extreme metal underground for a number of years now. They are usually labelled a black metal band, and often referred to as one of the best American black metal bands, but though black metal tendencies are quite evident (vocals in particular), their style encompasses much more. There are several places where old school thrash riffs can be heard, played at hyperspeed. Frequently the speed is exhausting, earning special marks for drummer Proscriptor, clearly one of the fastest and most talented drummers playing today. Lyrically, Absu is clearly on another plane, as a quick glance of their song titles can attest, with studies in Celtic myths and legends, Azif's theology of the Necronomicon Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology (especially under the powers of Dumuzi, Uruk, and the infamous Ugalla-demons), Etymology of Thoth, Tasseomancy, Sorcery, and weaponry skills of Cnihthad.
After releasing their first album 'Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.', Absu narrowed their line up to a three piece when David Athron Mystica and Black Massith left. They continued on with the help of session members for tours (most notably, Mezzadurus from Philadelphia Black Thrashers, Bloodstorm) and recorded as a three piece with Shaftiel and Proscriptor sharing vocal duties and Proscriptor taking over synth duties as well. They recorded 'The Sun of Tiphareth',(1995); The Third Storm of Cythraul (1997) and 'In The Eyes Of Ioldanach' (1998), all which gained cult status in the US and Worldwide Metal Underground. In 2001 they recorded their masterpiece 'Tara' and received glowing reviews for it. They even finally recruited a fourth member, Kashshapxu (guitars) and things looked well for Absu to record their next album, simply titled "Absu". However, a long series of events would put Absu at a standstill and almost completely derail the band. First, longtime guitarist/bassist Equitant left due to musical differences (However, he and Proscriptor still collaborate on other projects to this day). Then Proscriptor severely injured his hand in an accident, requiring surgery. 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. With no members, Proscriptor decided to work on other projects and put Absu aside.
In 2002, Proscriptor was offered the chance to audition for Slayer and came in second or third (conflicting reports). He did not join due to conflicting beliefs. Proscriptor himself later stated that he would have only joined for one album and then stepped down. Proscriptor did stay busy as he recorded with Equimanthorn (with Equitant and members of The Soil Bleeds Black), Proscriptor (his own project of neo-folk/classic rock fused music) and Melechesh, a black metal band from Jerusalem (but now relocated). Additionally, Proscriptor keeps busy with his own label, Tarot Productions.
Absu has been silent for some time now but Proscriptor states that they will return in time. Before the full return of Absu, Proscriptor teamed with former member Equitant to remaster some old tracks and put together a double compilation album full of rare, unreleased, alternate, live, and cover songs that are either out of print or extremely hard to get (many of which are shown below). This will be released in September of 2005. Proscriptor states again that Absu has not disbanded and urges everyone to be patient as he recruits a new line up and writes new material. In the meantime, fans of Proscriptor's drumming can hear him drumming for Demonic Christ's next album, scheduled for a late 2005/early 2006 release.
Discography
Studio Releases
Additional Releases (including Unreleased Material)
Demos & Other:
Single Studio Tracks:
Cover Songs: