Origin : Japan
Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal
Release : 2012
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Abigail Williams, a name that has long resonated within the atmospheric and symphonic black metal circles, returns with “Becoming,” an album that signifies a profound evolution. Gone are the overtly symphonic flourishes of their earlier work, replaced by a rawer, more visceral, and ultimately more potent sonic tapestry. This is not a simple rebranding; “Becoming” represents a deliberate shedding of past skin, a metamorphosis into something darker, more introspective, and undeniably heavier. The production, while retaining a certain atmospheric grandeur, leans into a crushing, almost industrial grit, providing a fertile ground for the band’s refined songwriting.
Track Analysis:
“The Serpent’s Kiss” opens the album with a chilling, almost industrial hum that abruptly gives way to a torrent of blast beats and razor-sharp tremolo picking. Ben Varghese’s guitar work here is precise and menacing, weaving intricate melodies through the chaos. The vocals, delivered by Ken Sorcerous, are a guttural, despair-laden roar that evokes a sense of existential dread. The mid-section introduces a dissonant, almost sludgy breakdown that adds a welcome layer of grime.
“Becoming” itself is a sprawling epic, clocking in at over nine minutes. It begins with a haunting, clean guitar passage that builds tension before erupting into a furious assault. The track masterfully shifts dynamics, incorporating moments of bleak, atmospheric respite with crushing, blackened passages. The keyboard work, while more restrained than in previous albums, serves as a subtle, spectral presence, adding layers of haunting melody without overpowering the guitars. The drumming is a relentless force, driving the momentum forward with technicality and raw aggression.
“Beyond the Veil” leans into a more melodic, yet still deeply melancholic, territory. The guitar riffs possess a mournful quality, reminiscent of early Katatonia, but imbued with a black metal ferocity. The interplay between the lead guitar’s mournful cries and the rhythm section’s driving force is exceptional.
“Whispers of the Dead” is arguably the album’s most atmospheric track, featuring a brooding, almost gothic sensibility. The clean vocals, when they appear, are delivered with a chilling vulnerability, contrasting sharply with the harsh screams that punctuate the verses. The use of layered, ethereal synths creates a sense of vast, empty space.
“The Unseen Path” is a relentless onslaught of pure aggression. The blast beats are relentless, and the guitar riffs are designed to inflict maximum damage. Yet, even within this ferocity, there are moments of melodic clarity that prevent the track from becoming monotonous. The solo is a blistering display of technical prowess.
“A New Dawn” closes the album with a sense of grim finality, yet also a flicker of defiant hope. The track is a slow-burning inferno, building in intensity with each passing minute. The vocals are particularly powerful here, conveying a sense of hard-won catharsis. The final minutes are a swirling vortex of sound, leaving the listener both exhausted and profoundly moved.
Conclusion:
“Becoming” is a triumph for Abigail Williams. It is an album that showcases a band at the zenith of their creative powers, unafraid to shed their skin and embrace a new, more potent sonic identity. The raw aggression is balanced with a sophisticated sense of melody and atmosphere, resulting in a listening experience that is both brutal and beautiful. This is an album that demands repeated listens, revealing new depths and nuances with each encounter. Abigail Williams has not just evolved; they have irrevocably transformed.
Rating: 9.5/10
Highlight Track: Becoming
