Review : ABYSMAL DAWN – “Leveling the Plane of Existence”

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Feb 142011
 

Abysmal Dawn – Leveling the Plane of Existence
Release: 2011Feb01 (US)
Label: Relapse
Rating: 4/5

Since the late 80s/early 90s, Death Metal has been a staple subgenre of the Metal scene around the world, likewise giving us truly great albums and some of the most memorable performers in history. However, in recent years Death Metal has grown, and been shaped into various styles and genres. Thankfully, Los Angeles’ Abysmal Dawn stayed with the old fashioned Death Metal formula and have given us a great album to start off 2011. Leveling The Plane Of Existence is Abysmal Dawn‘s third release and definitely their best, most refined album yet.

The best part about LtPoE is its no-frills approach to the Death Metal sound. While this album is very technical in its execution, it doesn’t reek of showy solos and off-time drumming. This helps a lot. Even in a day and age where technical showmanship has become the norm for the genre, LTPOE stays focused on song structure and writing—a lost art in the realm of Metal, as far as this author is concerned.

In addition to the musicianship and writing on LtPoE, Abysmal Dawn‘s frontman Charles Elliot has growled himself into an elite group of death metal vocalists. His deep, gravelly, yet clearly-enunciated style falls in the same category as people such as Christian Alvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry, Solution .45, The Few Against Many) and Piotr Wiwczarek of Vader. Had Elliot not been the singer and someone with a standard growl been put in his spot, this album would be lacking. Brutal and intense, the music needs a strong voice to compliment, and that’s just what Charles Elliot provides.

Abysmal Dawn have produced a very good album that satisfies today’s need for straightforward death metal. If you are looking for something you can throw in a playlist with bands like Decapitated, Miseration and Decrepit Birth, Leveling The Plane Of Existence would be a perfect addition.

Notable Tracks: 2, 4, 7, 9

01. The Age of Ruin
02. Pixilated Ignorance
03. In Service of Time
04. Rapture Renowned
05. Our Primitive Nature
06. Perpetual Dormancy
07. Leveling the Plane of Existence
08. Manufactured Humanity
09. My Own Savior
10. The Sleeper Awakens

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