Mythological
occult metal act & Agonia Records
recording act ABSU (featuring ZEMIAL) will be joined by backing
vocalist Adrianna Cabrera for Hell’s Heroes VII Festival in Houston,
Texas on March 21, 2025. Her live appearance will be the first time the band
has incorporated a female vocalist to replicate the lines/narrations originally
implemented on “The Sun of Tiphareth”
released in 1995.
Proscriptor remarks: “We warmly
welcome Adrianna in joining us on stage to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ABSU’s second album, as it is our intention to translate the studio recording to a live atmosphere as close as possible. This will most likely be the only time this will ever occur.”
Additional/confirmed dates for 2025:
April 10 – IT Roma – Traffic Live Club
April 11 – IT Bologna – Alchemica Club
April 12 – IT Paderno Dugnano – Slaughter Club
April 20 – DE Munich – Dark Easter Metal Meeting
May 16 – FI Hyvinkaa – Steelfest Open Air
June 5 – PL Gdansk – Mystic Festival
June 20 – PT Beja – NADA Festival
June 21 – AT Abtenau – Houses Of The Holy
August 1 – NO Bergen – Beyond The Gates
August 7 – CZ Josefov – Brutal Assault
August 8 – BE Kortrijk – Alcatraz Festival
September 6–7 – MX Leon, Guanajuato – Candelabrum Metal Fest
September 21 – UK London – Cosmic Void Festival
Osmose Productions is proud to announce the re–release of Absu’s sophomore achievement The Sun of Tiphareth – 30th Anniversary Edition.
Supplying the original DAT tape by Proscriptor himself, this majestic edition of cult, mid–90’s mythological occult metal has been newly mastered for LP & CD. Proscriptor quotes in regards to the new master’s sound: “Now, the entire album is nothing more than spellbinding and bludgeoning, as our second full–length conquest has never sounded ANY better!” The companion album features an alternate 2012 stereo mix from the original recordings, which presents the album within a broader, dynamic spectrum.
This special edition Double LP and Double CD includes extensive liner notes, artwork and a comprehensive essay regarding Absu’s logo evolution. The special Gatefold LP includes two full–color posters.
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 28, 2025
Available To Order Here.
TRACKLISTING
[CD I: Original 1995 Studio Album]
[Re-Mastered version 2025]
1. Apzu [11:17]
2. Feis Mor Tir Na N’Og (Across The North Sea To Visnech) [8:04]
3. Cyntefyn’s Fountain [3:46]
4. A Quest Into The 77th Novel [5:48]
5. Our Lust for Lunar Plains (Nox Luna Inlustris) [1:49]
6. The Coming Of War [5:15]
7. The Sun Of Tiphareth [7:10]
[CD II: Companion Album]
[Re-Mastered version 2025]
1. Cyntefyns Fountain [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [3:44]
2. Apzu [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [11:00]
3. Fèis mór Tír na nÓg (Across the North Sea to Visnech) [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [8:10]
4. A Quest into the 77th Novel [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [5:46]
5. The Coming of War [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [5:11]
6. The Sun of Tiphareth (Abridged) [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [4:38]
7. Never Blow Out the Eastern Candle [Alternate 2012 Sequence Mix] [5:35]
Mythological occult metal act & Agonia Records recording act ABSU will return to the stage in 2025 for a series of concert performances to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band’s acclaimed second album, “The Sun of Tiphareth.” Joining Proscriptor will be none other than Greek veterans ZEMIAL in completing the formidable line–up. The dates include:
February 6, 2025 – Sala Nazca – Madrid, Spain
February 7, 2025 – Sala Zulu – Valencia, Spain
February 8, 2025 – Sala Lennon's – Barcelona, Spain
February 15, 2025 – Eightball Club – Thessaloniki, Greece
February 16, 2025 – Kyttaro Club – Athens, Greece
February 22, 2025 – Rift of Hades – Quantic Club – Bucharest, Romania
March 22, 2025 – Hell’s Heroes VIII – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX – USA
April 10, 2025 – Traffic Live Club – Roma, Italy
April 11, 2025 – Alchemica Club – Bologna, Italy
April 12, 2025 – Hellbrigade Fest XI – Slaughter Club – Paderno Dugnano (MI), Italy
April 20 2025 – Dark Easter Metal Meeting – Munich, Germany
May 16, 2025 – Steelfest XIII – Hyvinkaa, Finland
June 4 - June 7, 2025 - Festival Mystic - Gdańsk, Poland
June 18 - 21 - House of the Holy - Neudegg Alm - Abtenau, Austria
July 30 – August 2, 2025 – Beyond the Gates – Bergen, Norway
+ Tickets are available here.
August 6 - 9 - Brutal Assault Festival, Josefov Fortress, Jaromer, Czech Republic
August 8, 2025 – Alcatraz – Kortrijk, Belgium
September 7, 2025 – Candelbrum Metal Fext IV – Velaria de la Feria, Leon, Gto, Mexico
September 19-21 - Cosmic Void Festival - London, UK
Osmose Productions is proud to announce the re–release of Absu's debut tour de force Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. – 30th Anniversary Edition. Supplying the original DAT tape by Proscriptor himself, this ultimate edition of cult, early 90's mythological occult metal has been newly mastered for LP.
Proscriptor quotes in regards to the sound of the new master: "Now, the entire album is nothing more than pulverizing and bewitching, as our debut offering has never sounded ANY better!” The companion album features alternate instrumental mixes from the original recordings, as well as an unreleased rehearsal session from 1992.
This version will come in two formats: 1) A majestic, silver–mirrored gatefold jacket with two black LPs and 2) a Double CD version, and both will include extensive liner notes, inserts and posters.
SIDE A
1. An Involution of Thorns
2. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
3. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
4. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
SIDE B
1. Infinite and Profane Thrones
2. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
3. An Evolution of Horns
LP II – COMPANION ALBUM
SIDE A – ALTERNATE 1993 INSTRUMENTAL MIXES
1. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
2. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
3. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
4. Infinite and Profane Thrones
5. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
SIDE B – AUTUMN EQUINOX REHEARSAL SESSION: SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
1. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
2. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
3. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
4. Infinite and Profane Thrones
5. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
01. An Involution of Thorns
02. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
03. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
04. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
05. Infinite and Profane Thrones
06. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
07. An Evolution of Horns
CD II – COMPANION ALBUM
ALTERNATE 1993 INSTRUMENTAL MIXES
01. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
02. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
03. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
04. Infinite and Profane Thrones
05. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
AUTUMN EQUINOX REHEARSAL SESSION: SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
06. Descent to Acheron (Evolving into the Progression of Woe)
07. An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment
08. The Thrice is Greatest to Ninnigal
09. Infinite and Profane Thrones
10. Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore) Act II
Mythological occult metal act & Agonia Records recording act ABSU will return to the stage in 2025 for a series of concert performances to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band’s acclaimed second album, “The Sun of Tiphareth.” Joining Proscriptor will be none other than Greek veterans ZEMIAL in completing the formidable new line–up. Hell’s Heroes VII Festival in Houston, Texas (March 20–22) will host the first major festival performance followed by additional (global) dates to be announced.
Proscriptor remarks: “2025 will memorialize 30 years of ABSU’s sophomore invocation ‘The Sun of Tiphareth,’ an album that represents the metaphysical association between phenomenon and noumenon – illusory versus tangible. Within its augmented sense of arcane determination, this album furthered the mythological occult metal approach. Of chaos, the Deep will respond.”
He continues: “My alliance with Vorskaath (ex–Agatus/ex–Varathron) dates back to 1991, as we have been traversing parallel paths ever since – culminating in my joining ZEMIAL on stage in 2019 and Vorskaath joining PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ as keyboardist for the sole album under that name. Therefore, it made utter sense to unite ZEMIAL’s power trio with this reincarnation of ABSU. Ultimately, it is a great honor to feature Vorskaath and company, in joining me, to convey these Tipharethian rites on stage.”
Vorskaath recently said about the upcoming collaboration:
“’The Sun of Tiphareth’ represents my personal favorite album by ABSU, and through my close contact with Proscriptor, Shaftiel and Equitant, I was able to witness its inceptive creation: from the rehearsal stages until the album’s official release. I look forward to present an accurately thunderous rendition of this black/thrash colossus.”
To coincide with the performances, a deluxe 30th anniversary edition release is scheduled next year via Osmose Productions.
Photo Acknowledgments:
Michał Kaczkowski
Tsvetelin Krastev
Stefan Raduta
Houston-based metal festival Hell’s Heroes flies under the radar a little bit, but they’ve got the killer lineups to compete with some of the bigger festivals. Hell’s Heroes will be back in 2025 for its seventh incarnation, and they just announced the first wave of the lineup on their Instagram on Wednesday. Amongst the big revelations is that Max and Iggor Cavalera’s band Cavalera (f.k.a. Cavalera Conspiracy) will be performing the Sepultura album Schizophrenia in its entirety. Cavalera recently released a re-recorded version of that album back in June.
Some of the other big names include Crimson Glory, S.A. Slayer, Hellripper, Absu performing their 1995 album The Sun of Tiphareth, and Onslaught performing their 1985 debut album Power from Hell. That’s one hell of a lineup, pun naturally intended.
The festival’s organizer, Christian Larson, had this to say:
“We are extremely excited with how Hell’s Heroes 2025 is already coming together! We have some outlandishly cool, special sets in the works for the fans with much more to be announced! We are unveiling the lineup for HHVII in waves this year, so stay tuned to see what other surprises next year holds in store.”
If these bands are just the first wave and there’s more big surprises in store, this has the potential to be the biggest and best year of Hell’s Heroes so far. Check out the full list of bands announced in the first wave below:
Crimson Glory
Cavalera performing Sepultura’s Schizophrenia
Coroner
S.A. Slayer
Absu (feat. Zemial) performing The Sun Of Tiphareth
Sadus
Onslaught performing Power From Hell
Hellripper
Crypt Sermon
Zemial
Sabïre
Hour Of 13
The Night Eternal
Hell’s Heroes VII will take place March 20-22 at the White Oak Music Hall in Houston, Texas. Three day passes are available here.
PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ Premieres Lyric/Visualizer Video For “Every Watchtower Within Is The Axis Of A Watchtower Without” (Abridged Single Version)
“Mythological occult metal” act Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû premieres a lyric/visualizer video for the third single taken from their debut/self-titled album, which is out now on Agonia Records. The song and video “symbolize a Fourth–Dimensional Universe in two dimensions as a square surrounded by 30 concentric circles,” as commented by the band's founder, Proscriptor. Watch the video and learn more about its symbolism below.
PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ - Every Watchtower Within Is The Axis Of A Watchtower Without (Video)
“The 30 concentric circles are known as the 30 Æthyrs or Aires,” Proscriptor continues. “The Watchtower Ritual (Liber Chanokh) consists of two ‘Adeptus Minor’ parts, which features an opening within and a closing without. The opening begins with three sacramental sections:
A) Invoking The Watchtowers (four quadrangle vibrations)
B) Rending The Veils (centralized self-placement of the multiverse)
C) Forming The Vortex (Crossing The Abyss)
Rending the veils places the ceremonialist to a South altar, which becomes the traversing process. Therefore, an anti–clockwise widdershin dissipates the vortex and the ritual’s temple is finally closed – classified as a totemic threshold. This lyrical machine, of the aforementioned topic, is so subtle that the most highly sensitized mind antennae cannot pick up its grossest vibrations. The spirit of magick remains inviolate, but the act of separating the self from any past shadow (and of fusing its essence with future semblance) is the act requiring noble skill – for it must be willfully achieved.”
Touted as one of the most important bands in the history of American Black Metal, Absu was dissolved by drummer/vocalist Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens) on January 27th, 2020, after 30 years of existence. Since the band’s last, unreleased album was to be penned as “Apsû,” McGovern fused the title with his name to form this new group, Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû. Securing the ranks, alongside McGovern, are continuing bassist Ezezu (Absu: 2008-2020), new guitar virtuoso Vaggreaz (Possessed, Gruesome) and keyboardist Vorskaath (Zemial, Agatus).
The self-titled debut album was chronicled at studios around the world with final mixing handled in Dallas, Texas by both McGovern and J.T. Longoria (Absu, King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus) and mastering by Swedish Grammy nominee Karl Daniel Lidén in Sweden. The album also features guest appearances from Ross Friedman (Ross The Boss, ex-Manowar), Rune Eriksen (Aura Noir, Vltimas, ex-Mayhem), Alex Colin-Tocquaine (Agressor) and The Dark (Agatus). In assembling the album’s packaging, the band re-commissioned the expertise of renowned Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Darkthrone, Portal, Watain).
Track listing for “Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû” is:
I. Amenta: Accelerando: Azyn including Hierophantasmal Expounder
II. Esoterically Excoriating The Exoteric
III. Quasaric Pestilence
IV. Mirroracles
V. In-Betweeness Gateway Commuters
VI. Jupiter In Capricornus
VII. Dedicated To Thoth, But Azathoth Wasn’t Listening (A Necroloquy)
VIII. Caliginous Whorl
IX. The Coagulating Respite
X. Prana: Therion: Akasha
XI. Tantrums Of Azag-Kkû
XII. Every Watchtower Within Is The Axis Of A Watchtower Without including Totemic Thresholds
PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ is:
Proscriptor McGovern – Drums/Percussion, Lyricism, Maestro Echoplex, Papago Flute, Digital Synthesizers & Voices (Protagonist/Dramatic Monologue Versus Omniscient/Interior Monologue)
Vorskaath – (Analogue & Digital) Synthesizers, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Mellotron & Signal Generator
Vaggreaz – Electric Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic & Bass Guitar
Ezezû – Electric Bass Guitar & Implements
Photo credit: Scott Kincade & M. Zvyagina
PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ - Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû (Official Album Stream)
Posts
