ABSU's Proscriptor comments on upcoming U.S. tour

ABSU performed their first live show in nearly eight years on Friday, March 20. The special appearance, part of the annual South-By-Southwest Music Festival, received glowing reviews from the Austin Chronicle: “ABSU left to a ringing chant of their name, thus making it clear that this 18-year pillar of metal still reigns supreme in the land of the dark.” The show featured selections from the band’s recently released, self-titled new album. In its first month, the record has sold out three pressings as fans have rushed to buy the album currently enjoying its third week at the number 2 position on the CMJ college/hard rock charts.

Drummer/vocalist Proscriptor says, “the feedback from our eponymous-titled album has been overwhelmingly positive and a reaction I was not expecting. This is just the beginning of our insidious magic(k) and mystery.” Recently featured as the cover story for Metal Maniacs, Absu is the first to offer new material since the trio’s critically acclaimed album Tara (2001, Osmose Productions). Terrorizer Magazine calls Absu, “a sound incarnate of a band making the underground amazing again… an undeniable masterpiece.” KNAC.com adds, “a captivating album that weaves together black metal, death metal, prog and Sumerian legend into one awe-inspiring package.” MetalSucks.net also notes, “the crux of Absu is a ridiculously tight band playing perhaps their best songs ever.”

ABSU announced their upcoming US tour prior to Christmas and are now preparing for the nationwide trek. The tour set to kick off June 6 in San Marcos, California and wrap up June 29 in the band’s hometown of Dallas, Texas originally noted to feature support from labelmates GLORIOR BELLI, AVERSE SEFIRA and SOTHIS. The lineup has had a recent change with Philadelphia-based RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER replacing AVERSE SEFIRA. Guitarist Matt Moore comments, “RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER is excited to steal all hope from the holy along with ABSU, GLORIOR BELLI and SOTHIS as part of the ultimate black-thrash campaign for North American annihilation.”

France’s GLORIOR BELLI make their first trip to North America in support of ABSU. The band’s new album, Meet Us At The Southern Sign, will be released on June 6 and will be available for sale during the tour. Infestvvs says, “it is obviously a great honor for GLORIOR BELLI to be part of the tour and support the return of ABSU. One question however remains; will you rise and prove yourself strong enough to bear the forbidden flame with us or will you get burned by the fires of illumination?” Popular metal portal Metalkult.com today premieres the song “In Every Grief-Stricken Blues” from the new album. The band is now completing a special advance video that will premiere via their official MySpace page in the coming weeks.

SOTHIS released their debut, De Oppresso Liber, on September 2. Mixed by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), the record has enjoyed growing and consistent sales since release. This will be the band’s first national tour. Band leader Dross says, “we are really looking forward to conquering stages on the upcoming tour and are proud to share a stage with such strong bands. As of this weekend, we have completed the video for the title track of our recently released CD, De Oppresso Liber, so you should be hearing news of where it will debut very soon.”

Check our TOUR DATES section for more information.

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