PSYCHOGROTESQUE

"Psychogrotesque" is the 5th full-length studio album by Italian black metal act Aborym. It´s the successor to the critically acclaimed "Generator (2006)". "Psychogrotesque" was released in November 2010 through Season of Mist. The band is a three-piece on the album. Bandleader and only original member Malfeitor Fabban on vocals, bass and keyboards, new member Hell:IO:Kabbalus on guitars, synths and programming, and Norwegian drummer Bård G. Eithun (Emperor, Blood Tsunami), who also played on "Generator (2006)".

"Psychogrotesque" is a concept album where all 10 tracks seque into each other. They are titled "Psychogrotesque I-X". It´s an album featuring a disturbing dark atmosphere. A sense of paranoia and insanity hits the listener from the get go and doesn´t let go until the album is over. Stylistically "Psychogrotesque" continues the progressive black metal style of "Generator (2006)" and expands on it. Aborym always had an industrial element in their music which is also present on this release. It´s black metal featuring raspy vocals and layered with synths and chilling sound effects. Atmospheric and even occasionally ambient but not to an extent where power is sacrificed. This is indeed a both raw and powerful album yet at the same time highly sophisticated.

"Psychogrotesque" is very well produced and the sound production elevates the already strong and powerful music to an even higher level like a good production should. The musisianship is strong too and "Psychogrotesque" is in every way a high quality release and it´s recommended to those who enjoy the more adventurous side of black metal. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.