Album Review: Abigail Williams-In The Absence Of Light

Abigail Williams has become notorious within the metal scene for two things, opening for various extreme metal legends (and getting mixed reception) and having a plethora of lineup changes (former members include ex-Black Dahlia Murder drummer Zach Gibson, former Winds Of Plague keyboardist Kristen Randall and current Winds Of Plague keyboardist Alana Potocnik). On their 2nd full length, In The Absence Of Light form a more cohesive sound and overcome their various member changes.

In The Absence Of Light takes Abigail Williams in a different direction, they have dropped most of the symphonic elements for a more straight forward extreme metal sound. Their move to a more straight forward extreme metal sound pays off, I did their enjoy their previous release, In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns, but it was kind of a mess in places. In The Absence Of Light is far better put together and better written than its predecessor. This is most evident on tracks like "In Death Comes The Great Silence" and the 8-minute epic "Final Destiny Of The Gods" it moves along at a nice pace and the songs has different layers that flow nicely together. Another improvement from their past work is the riffs. They are faster and more memorable than they where in the past.

In The Absence Of Light is not without some rough patches though. A couple of tracks become tedious due to their length (mainly "The Mysteries That Bind The Flesh"). The production is also kind of weak at times, as the drums are almost completely drowned out in the mix.

In The Absence Of Light is a solid release. The overall song quailty is much improved, as is the maturity of the band's songwriting. The guitarwork is technical and dark and adds a haunting tone to the entire album. If the work some of the kinks with song length on certain tracks(Final Destiny Of The Gods is excellent and it is the longest track on the record) and maybe bring back some of the symphonic elements and use them well, Abigail Williams could craft a damn fine record. Abigail Williams is a band to watch over their next few releases, they have a lot of potential and could become extreme metal juggernauts.
3.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.In Death Comes Great Silence
2.Final Destiny Of The Gods
3.An Echo In Our Legends