ABSU review – Live Moho Manchester 10/04/12.

ABSU take the stage to an already hyped and excited crowd, not only for the fact that a lot of people in this decently numbered Tuesday night crowd really want to see ABSU and that a lot have not, but also because of the 2 tight and energy filled sets from Canada’s Necronomicon and Singapores Impiety.

A true blast fest which is about to get even more intense. As I mentioned earlier a lot of the ABSU fans in here tonight have never actually seen them live and the reception to the first chord struck is raucous.

They quickly blast there way through several songs with no respite or introduction tracks from the more recent releases Abzu and Absu more prominent and sounding very fresh and full of there usual fervour, Earth Ripper standing out. By the time the crowd are finally addressed, jointly by Ezezu and Proscriptor they are seriously worked up and loving every minute.

Favourites like Four crossed wands and Abraxas Connexus rip through the crowd and are lapped up gratefully. The sound is good; heavy and rumbling but everything is there which is what is needed to fully enjoy this band.

It isn’t just about the machine gun pace and rapid intensity of ABSU but also the well crafted songs which is no more evident than on Tara and Pillars of mercy which are of course played together and probably get the best response of the set. Watching ABSU can be a strange experience and watching the un-enlightened craning there necks looking for the invisible vocalist can be amusing.

While a drummer vocalist could be a little flat live and just not work for the majority of bands with ABSU it works cos these lads are about out and out aggression, no niceties just simply an onslaught, and the joint vocals with Ezezu work so well so not actually seeing the main vocalist doesn’t matter because the effect is slamming you straight in the face, although when Proscriptor does take time out to talk to the crowd every word and sentiment is warmly cheered and reciprocated.

This band get a lot of respect from there fans and peers alike and watching them you can see why; the whole set from start to finish is tight and professional and the crowd get there full dose of ABSU delivered with a rusty needle.

A nasty buzz saw sound punctuated with clean drum work and rasping cursed vocals delivering some of the nastiest classic songs in the genre. Needless to say they leave the stage to a very grateful and happy crowd and judging by the looks on the bands faces, not only the crowd left happy.

Another great extreme metal night at Moho.