After their surprisingly strong debut I in 2023, Blood Abscission now returns with its successor: the simply titled II. And let’s not beat around the bush — this isn’t just a good album, it’s undeniably end-of-year list material. In fact, we’d be surprised if it doesn’t show up on multiple best-of lists by the end of the year.
Who or what Blood Abscission actually is remains shrouded in mystery. Nothing is known about the band’s lineup or origin. No names, no faces — only the music speaks. And it speaks volumes. What they deliver is a highly refined form of Black Metal, blending darkness with melody and drama, all without tipping into kitsch or excess.
The guitar work is thick and layered, the drumming tight and versatile, and the compositions are full of surprising twists and subtle details. Despite the intensity, there’s always a clear sense of control and direction. Everything feels meticulously crafted, resulting in an album that plays out as a coherent whole. For those who still think Black Metal must be chaotic and lo-fi by default: Blood Abscission proves otherwise.
A particularly striking choice is the absence of song titles — each track is simply numbered — further emphasizing the sense of a unified concept. And it’s not just the music that’s cohesive: the visual presentation is just as deliberate. The artwork is once again impressive and perfectly aligned with the album’s atmosphere. The anonymity of the band members enhances the mystique, reinforcing the idea that Blood Abscission is less a band and more an entity.
From the opening track, it’s immediately clear what the intent is: hypnotic melodies that return like a mantra, carried by a heavy, pulsing production. The first piece runs well over twelve minutes, yet never feels drawn out. On the contrary — it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. The following track takes a more atmospheric turn, pairing rapid blastbeats with sweeping, melodic guitar lines that lend a near-theatrical weight to the song.
At times, the music flirts with symphonic Black Metal, though it never crosses the line — always controlled, always tasteful, never overblown. There’s a certain Eastern European flair to the overall sound, raising the question of whether that might be the band’s origin. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter. The power of Blood Abscission lies in its mystery — in its elusiveness. What truly matters is the music — and that is of an exceptionally high caliber.
II is a gripping, layered, and incredibly strong release that holds its own with ease in today’s crowded Black Metal landscape. Blood Abscission remains an enigma, but with albums like this, they speak a language that every true fan will understand instantly.
90/100
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