Maximum Metal Rating Legend

I saw Abysmal Dawn in the news recently as they had been listed on the giant Fall tour featuring Six Feet Under, Krisiun, Decapitated and Cattle Decapitation. I knew those four big band names, but until this point had heard nothing from Abysmal Dawn. Luckily Crash Music was kind enough to send out the brand new debut record from the Los Angeles act. "From Ashes" really launches what looks to be a promising career for the young band. The group originally started out in late 2003 and in October of 2004 the group released a three song demo and gained some notoriety through tours and shows with the likes of Exodus and Three Inches Of Blood (a personal favorite of mine). Now the band unleash their debut on a rather demanding death metal audience. The band hooked up with longtime friend and live bassist Mike Bear (Prototype, Artisan) for session work, and received engineering for the record from John Haddad (Eyes Of Fire, Phobia). The album's beautiful artwork was done by Par Olofsson, who in the past has created visuals for Deeds Of Flesh.

Abysmal Dawn create some really catchy songs on this stellar debut. Unlike most bands who simply rely on speed and precission as a means for long term goals and long term playability, this band understands the need for solos, song structures, and interesting arrangements. At times the band can seem a bit "high end" or technical, but they mix the songs up nicely with groove passages and some faster parts. Sometimes the band reminds me of another Crash Music band, Enforsaken. Guitarsts Charles Elliott (who also covers vocals) and Jamie Boulanger really have great chemistry here, playing some great leads in the middle of these songs to provide a bit of diversity. That is what I always liked about Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, and it works well here with Abysmal Dawn. In terms of speed and aggressive styles, this band may fall short for those into more "extreme" acts. Those of you into Hate Eternal and Morbid Angel....well the speed just isn't there yet, but for the casual death listener looking for plenty of top notch sound and accurate punches this should find peace of mind.