Year: 2022
Total Time: 39:01
Label: Season of Mist
Abbath might be one of the prominent figures in the Norwegian Black Metal scene, but not so important as he thinks and as some people are trying to convince us. Reality is that he is definitely the most controversial figure in the Norwegian scene because of his character, while synthetically he has no special potential. In 2018 everyone realized who was responsible IMMORTAL’s music and lyrics over the years, something that is also confirmed with Abbath’s new album “Dream Reaver”.
Since the release of the disappointing “Outstrider” in 2019, several events have happened. Who can forget the weird behavior during his interviews and the disastrous live performance in Argentina, which created shadows around him and his band ABBATH. Eventually, he was forced to admit his drinking problem and go for rehab. So, as soon as his new record was announced, I had some hope that after the time he took for himself, he would appear improved and more serious. Unfortunately, “Dream Reaver” continues the disappointing musical course of the previous years.
Musically the album has not huge surprises as we are dealing with a mix of BATHORY, KISS, MOTORHEAD combined with some elements from IMMORTAL of “All Shall Fall”. Apart from the fact that the compositions are mediocre and there is a strong feeling of repetition, the fact that Abbath decided to do the mixing of this album creates new problems. The whole production sounds stuffy, to the point that you get upset, with the guitars being buried, making you feel like you’re listening only to vocals and drums. A cover to METALLICA’s “Trapped Under Ice” was also tried, a think that should better not happen!
Unfortunately, with “Dream Reaver”, Abbath adds another disappointing chapter to his solo career and when something is repeated it stops being considered as a coincidence.I don’t think he will ever be able to present us a satisfactory music ensemble as what we heard on his album of 2016, we continue to hear six years later, with even less quality. I hope that his entire abstinence over the past two years has helped him to recover as a character and as a musician, despite the fact that in the press releases Season Of Mist notes that “Abbath is not available for interviews” that is a weird sign for me. In the future I hope that he will be able to present us something better.
Rating: 5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: ABBATH – Facebook Page
