OFFICIAL NEWSBLOG OF PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ

Monday, December 30, 2013

"Tara" 4 LP Box Set Available For Pre-Order Now

PRE-ORDER HERE

ABSU (US) Tara + Pre-Production Demo / Original Mix 4-LP Box Set

Via Dark Symphonies/The Crypt: Texas occult metal legends once again join forces with the Crypt to unleash their fourth masterpiece Tara. A wealth of unreleased bonus material is included for this 4-LP compendium. Expect the usual Crypt standards for this classic gem of mystical occult metal.

This ultimate edition contains well over two hours of “mythological occult metal” on 4 x 180 gram heavy vinyl LPs, strictly limited to a one time only pressing of 666 hand-numbered copies - 222 of which will be black vinyl. These killer slabs of wax come housed in 2 x 350 gram semi-gloss gatefold jackets featuring the original Osmose cover and layout, as well as the original unused Tara cover artwork, a photo montage of the step by step progression of all the artwork used for Tara, a double-sided insert and new, extensive liner notes by both Proscriptor and artist Kris Verwimp. Each gatefold will contain a huge poster of each respective original Kris Verwimp cover artwork.

LP 1 and 2 will feature the original 2001 sound recording carefully mastered for vinyl. LP 3 will feature an unreleased pre-production demo from 2000 and LP 4 will feature the original unreleased mix of the album also from 2000.

Both gatefolds come housed in an amazing, heavy gauge case wrapped, hand numbered box with the original Kris Verwimp cover illustration as well as 3 x 4" square stickers featuring the 3 phases of Tara artwork. We apologize for the steep price tag, but unfortunately due to the deluxe packaging including the box, 2 full color posters, stickers, insert and other bonus,’ we were forced to raise it slightly more than usual. Rest assured that this monster box set is well worth every penny.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Proscriptor McGovern endorsed by TRX Cymbals

Proscriptor McGovern is now endorsed by TRX Cymbals.

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Third Storm of Cythraul 3LP Box Set - Available Now

Available here for a limited time. Act quickly!

Monday, November 18, 2013

ABSU to return to Australia in March 2014

ABSU will return to Australia with Portal and Denoucement Pyre in March of 2014. Dates are as follows:

3/19/2014 - Adelaide @ Enigma Bar

3/20/2014 - Perth @ Amplifier Bar

3/21/2014 - Melbourne @ Hifi Bar

3/22/2014 - Sydney @ The Factory

3/23/2014 - Brisbane @ The Crowbar

Thursday, October 24, 2013

TRVE Brewing Company Announces Collaboration With ABSU To Release Four Different Beers

Denver, Colorado’s Trve Brewing Company is proud to announce details on their upcoming first out of four ales titled Eastern Candle - dedicated to the mythological occult metal act ABSU. In honor of their 20th anniversary second album, The Sun Of Tiphareth, Trve has created the first out of four ales: Eastern Candle – a pale wheat beer fermented with brettanomyces in white wine barrels. The ale is a fine equilibrium of wheat and white wine with a slight, fruit-like yeast character. (Fittingly named after the song Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle).

The three forthcoming beers to be unleashed are the following:

Tiphareth – Red Ale: This will be a soured beer with a mild strain of brettanomyces fermented in red wine barrels. This fusion will have a nice malty, tart, yet dry balance including red wine adding a background complexity.

Manannán – Brown Ale: The Manannán batch will feature rye in the grain bill, as it will be soured and fermented with a shrouded strain of brettanomyces in whiskey barrels. This will be a more assertive brew with malt character and plenty of obscurity from the yeast while also showcasing the barrel flavors.

Winter Zephyr – Black Ale: A dark wheat and dark rye concoction giving the beer its cryptic color. This ale will highlight a fair amount of oats to retain vast body after the brettanomyces have alchemically fermented in wine barrels.

ABSU recently announced details of their upcoming North American Connexus Continuation Tour, the trek to showcase the band performing set with music spanning throughout their twenty-two year recording career. This excursion is a follow-up mini-tour by the Texas-based mythological occult metal trio since the release of Abzu – the second of a planned trilogy of recordings.

ABSU North American Connexus Continuation:

11/08/2013 31st Street Pub – Pittsburgh, PA

11/09/2013 Down And Over Pub – Milwaukee, WI @ (November Coming Fire Festival)

11/10/2013 Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL

11/11/2013 Fubar – St. Louis, MO

11/12/2013 Beale Street Live – Indianapolis, IN

11/13/2013 The Maywood – Raleigh, NC

11/14/2013 The Pinch – Washington, DC

11/15/2013 Firehouse Saloon – Rochester, NY

11/16/2013 Mavericks – Ottawa, ON

11/17/2013 Boot & Saddle – Philadelphia, PA

11/18/2013 St. Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY

For more info on Trve Brewing check out: trvebrewing.com.

Friday, October 4, 2013

The Third Storm of Cythraul LP Box Set - Pre-Order Available Now

First images of the 'Third Storm of Cythraul' LP Box Set - Release Date 11/18/2013. Pre-Order Here.
From The Crypt:

ABSU (US) The Third Storm of Cythraul / In the Eyes of Ioldánach 3LP box set

Texas occult metal legends once again join forces with the Crypt to unleash their third masterpiece "The Third Storm of Cythraul" + In the Eyes of Ioldánach". A wealth of unreleased bonus material is included for this 3LP. Expect the usual Crypt standards for this classic gem of Mystical Occult Metal.

This ultimate edition contains well over two hours of Mythological Occult metal on 3 x 180 gram heavy vinyl LPs, strictly limited to a one time only pressing of 666 hand-numbered copies - 222 of which will be black vinyl. These killer slabs of wax come housed in 2 x 350 gram semi-gloss gatefold jackets featuring the both of the original Osmose cover and layout, as well as a 2 sided insert with classic flyers, exclusive band photos, classic interviews and new, extensive liner notes by Proscriptor. Each gatefold will contain a huge poster of each respective original Kris Verwimp cover artwork.

LP one will feature the original 1997 sound recording. LP 2 will feature an brand new 2013 remix of the album sounding as the band originally intended and LP 3 will feature In the Eyes of Ioldánach + unreleased tracks.

Both gatefolds come housed in an amazing, heavy gauge case wrapped, hand numbered box with the original Kris Verwimp cover illustration and silver foil stamped logo.

We apologize for the steep price tag but unfortunately due to the deluxe packaging including the box, 2 full color posters, and royalties due to both band and label for this release, we were forced to raise it slightly more than usual. Rest assured that this monster box set is well worth every penny.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

More Tour Dates Announced

Source

ABSU today announce details on their upcoming tour, titled North American Connexus Continuation. The ten-city tour will see the band perform a complete set with music spanning throughout their twenty-two year recording career. This excursion is a follow-up mini-tour by the Texas-based mythological occult metal trio since the release of Abzu – the second of a planned trilogy of recordings.

Vocalist/drummer Proscriptor shares, “Since the release of our latest recording, Abzu, the response has been extremely vehement and now is the perfect moment to continue spreading the album’s essence throughout unchartered regions the band did not perform in earlier this year. We purposely waited until the timing was ideal to embark on this additional journey, as we shall continue contaminating the communities with our craft of Mythological Occult Metal.”

Proscriptor also adds, “We have begun the composition/arrangement process for the next album, suitably titled Apsu, which is the Sumerian-Akkadian spelling of the band moniker. We shall wait until the new album is released before we present any of the new material in a live atmosphere.”

ABSU North American Connexus Continuation:

(LOCATION UPDATED): 11/08/2013 The Shop – Pittsburgh, PA

11/09/2013 Down And Over Pub – Milwaukee, WI @(November Coming Fire Festival

11/10/2013 Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL

11/11/2013 Fubar - St. Louis, MO

11/12/2013 Beale Street Live – Indianapolis, IN

11/13/2013 The Maywood – Raleigh, NC

11/14/2013 The Pinch – Washington, DC

11/15/2013 Firehouse Saloon – Rochester, NY

11/16/2013 Mavericks – Ottawa, ON

11/17/2013 Boot & Saddle – Philadelphia, PA

11/18/2013 St. Vitus Bar - Brooklyn, NY

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Catching Up With... Mezzadurus

Here is the second to last of my interview series, "Catching Up With...". Enjoy!

WebMaster (Pete): It has now been over ten years since you last worked with ABSU. What have you been up to these days?

Mezzadurus: The same things I've always done, of course, and that’s make music! I’m working on a new Blood Storm album now and I have a new hard rock/heavy metal project band called Den Of Sin. Well, besides the obvious, I just recently got married, bought a new house and going to start a family of our own very soon! I've gotten back into doing artwork for my own personal relaxation and enjoyment. I also finally got the time to finally take some Tai Chi martial arts classes, as Bruce Lee has been a childhood icon to me like Bon Scott, Lemmy, Cronos, Ace Frehley and Pete Townshed. I wanted to make time for that kind of focus for my mental and physical health. And, my most cherished field is the study of occult sciences! All of these aspects of my life are equally important to the other and it helps promote spiritual success for my life.

WM: Did you start at an early age performing a musical instrument?

M: No, but I always knew that I wanted to play music one day! I was seventeen years old when I got my first bass. It was a dark wood finish Aria Pro 2, (four-string) but before I got the bass guitar, I really wanted to play drums! Anyway, I slapped stickers all over the bass to give it that metal look and feel! Ha ha!

WM: What were your major influences?

M: Besides the aforementioned people, the major influence began in 1982. I got three life changing albums, which were Iron Maiden Number Of The Beast, Motorhead Overkill and Venom Black Metal. Hearing those three albums together ultimately drove me in a passionate hunger for this kind of music from then on! I was eleven years old and before this, I was a dedicated Kiss, AC/DC, The Who and Rush fan and I still am to this day! That music stands beyond time for me, but at the age of eleven hearing those albums? Nothing could ever be better, as it was new, aggressive, loud, fast and powerful Imagery! I was a Moore College art student and was heavily into Marvel Comics, Eerie, Creepy, Vampirella, and Savage Sword of Conan magazines! (Horror movies too) How could I refuse not to like about this style of music? That’s when I started Goreaphobia with influences from Necrovore, Pentagram (Chile), Incubus (Florida), Celtic Frost/Hellhammer, Bathory, Possessed, Samhain/Des Exault, Nasty Savage, Exciter, Carnivore, Voi Vod, Krokus, Raven, Kreator, Bulldozer, Sodom, Razor, Saxon, Whiplash, Destruction, Iron Angel, Nuclear Death Necrophagia, Oz, Sacrifice, English Dogs, Repulsion, Dark Angel, Death, Running Wild, Death Row and just about the entire roster from New Renaissance Records! Obviously, my three top Icons: are Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and especially Venom!

WM: How did you get involved with ABSU?

M: Well, I meet Ray (Equitant) down in San Antonio, Texas and Russ (Proscriptor) on the 1992 Goreaphobia tour we did opening for Immolation! Anyway, we talked and had some hang out time before the gig started and it was very cool! Fast-forwarding now to late fall of 1994, I had broken away from Goreaphobia for two years now and was starting Blood Storm (I had four songs written at the time). A guy we both knew passed a message onto me about joining up with Absu as a session bassist/vocalist for a European tour in April, 1995!

The Absu klan and I got in contact, hit it right off with our passion for this music/interests and clutched mutual respects and admirations! It was a great feeling! Now, I was also around at that time working with the possibility of joining Dana of Demonic Christ too! Dana was extremely supportive/understanding to me, as I was 100% encouraged to pursue Blood Storm. One reason it didn't work out with Demonic Christ was because Dana initially wanted a rhythm guitarist. I wasn't ready for that just yet, as I was used to, 100% being confortable with bass duties. (Demonic Christ already had a bassist at the time) Dana, being the great friend that she is to me, still tried to work something out to have me included, but we both knew I was not fully prepared for guitars duties under a band that was established. She then told me to pursue the Absu tour and I was encouraged by great friends and communing with The Texas tyrants! Lo and behold, I was on a plane to Dallas to session with Absu! It was the best experience I ever had! Playing with them, sharpened my skills, my songwriting, energy level, regaining more confidence and the love of working with three great, deeply, rooted music and magic(k)al guys! Shit, what more can I say?

WM: Any particular favorite memories while you were with the band?

M: Well, Hanging out and living in the rehearsal room was a ton of jokes and stories about growing up and bullshit! Introducing to the good people of Universal Rehearsal Studios "Billy the Kid!" LOL! Taping people’s cigarettes and lighter, car keys and what not to their backs, on the celling, the wall next to the light switch and what not. It was nothing but goofy gags after rehearsal! All of the congregating was incredibly fun with those tyrants! I appreciate that they “accepted” my kind of madness and humor! Of course, performing live was sheer magic(k) and occult metal brilliance for me ever show I did with Absu from 1995 to 1997 and in 2002!

WM: Describe the lone 2002 performance and your involvement. Your thoughts?

M: That was a great show! Absu opened for Immortal and Manowar! So yes, after all the absent years of playing with them was 100% exciting for me!!! Since that big gap, I had a few Blood Storm albums and tours underneath my belt, but it was wonderful to be back with them playing again! Shaftiel (Mike) totally wanted to make sure I didn't go for the 'face paint' appearance at the show. I expected that anyway, but I already knew over the years after the early tours that the 'face paint' was not a good idea anymore. It was fine, as I totally concurred. I assured him that it not everything for me either and I was there solely for Absu - not Blood Storm. Joey from Manowar was the only member of the band I got to talk to. He didn't seem to interested in talking to me for very long because there was a couple of girls around and he wanted to show them pictures of himself in Spain. I thought maybe that was a code for "come to the bus, so I can fuck you" Lol! At any rate, I didn't care, as I thought it was just funny to watch it happen. He was cool to me, so I have no complaints. I would have totally done more shows if things were to pick up again, but not at the time it seemed. Absu, will always have a place in my soul and I 100% respect Russ and Absu; I would not interfere with nor want to step on toes with anything either! I will always wish nothing but for Sirius to shine with favour upon the Abysmal southern occult klan of Absu!

WM: Do you follow them these days? What do you think of their evolution over the years?

M: Yes, of course! Russ is one of my dearest and most respected friends I've had throughout the years! I know we don't live close by, and see each other every day, but he has shown me nothing but true friendship and respect for what I do in music! He's never given me any reason for doubts: personal or professional aspects. We can meet and hang, have a drink and just simply talk about anything and everything. He's a real guy like me and I know I don't have to watch my back man. Now, I only was close with the trio of Shaftiel, Equitant and Proscriptor. I learned mountains of experiences with all three of them! I have to say that Proscriptor is the high-energy, driving force that keeps the gas tank full and not taking anything away from Equitant and Shaftiel! (Both are awesome guitarists and songwriters) However, I saw what Russ does, I saw how focused and patient he was and how he executes his crafts brilliantly! Hands down, the best I've ever known thus far! I knew the other gentlemen a bit before this current lineup and the present! I thought it was a great restart to the magic(k) and I like them all as people too! It's the fact that Proscriptor, and even some of Equitant’s influence at times, keeps the current lineup just as strong and enjoyable as it has been over the past years. I salute Absu and 100% respect to the lineup now! Hello tyrants!

WM: Was Proscriptor going to be involved with Blood Storm at some point? Live or recording?

M: I wished sometimes - I admit! After all, I had experienced working with him, so yeah man! However, I realize he has to keep the flame of Absu burning! I also just didn't want to cross any lines and try to take advantage of the friendship levels either. I also thought that maybe Blood Storm would've been too “primitive” for his skills. I guess If he'd ever had time and said something along the lines of ''do you need any help?" Hands down, I would say ABSOLUTELY! He did come up for a live session on the skins for a Blood Storm show in New Jersey back in September of 2001. Anyway, he has contributed one live performance with Blood Storm!

WM: Thank you for your time to “catch up with us” and you can end this interview as you see fit and, of course, plug your other musical endeavors. Thank you!

M: To Pete, to everyone and anyone out there that has been around during my time in Absu and to anyone that has given me and Blood Storm anytime of day, or attention over the years: THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I greatly appreciate all the support and friendships over the years. Currently, I'm working on the next long overdue Blood Storm album titled The Stellar Excorcism. Also, I've recently made public another band I am involved, which features three, great hard rockin' metallers called Den Of Sin. This project features Jim Roe (drums), Robin Mazen (bass guitar), myself on guitars and Mrs. Lili LeBullet. (all vocals) This band is in the vein of hard rock/ heavy metal with inspirations from Acid, Girlschool, Motorhead, Krokus, Saxon, Joan Jett & The Runaways, Warlock, AC/DC and Venom. If you have time, check us out on Facebook @ facebook.com/denofsinband

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Catching Up With... Aethyris McKay

WEBMASTER: Hello Aethyris – thanks for taking the time to catch up with us. What have you been up to these days?


AM: Too much! My main focus has been work(promoting) over the last 10 months. I´m still adapting/learning the Norwegian lifestyle, playing in too many projects and chilling with my wife.


WM: Did you start at an early age performing a musical instrument?

AM: Yeah. My mom was always very supportive of my involvement in music, so it was a big part of what I did growing up. I started with cello in the 4th grade and then moved over to drums in my teenage years. Always poked around on guitar and would play live here and there with bands that were coming through as my mom did some promoting and a really good friend of hers was a local DJ at a rock station(back when those existed). So it became a novelty thing that they would arrange for me to play some 3 Lock Box or Lick It Up with whoever would let me ruin their set! But never really got too serious about guitar until my mid to late 20´s.


WM: What were your major influences?

AM: Everything seems to influence me in some way. We spent a lot of time at the lake in the early 80´s near a military base in a country town in central Texas, so whatever was big on the radio in those days, blaring from the home speakers hooked up to car stereos sitting on top of Camaros and whatnot. I really dug bands like Foreigner, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, etc…. But then there was the dads side of the family that had a whole other side of influence with Hank Williams Jr., David Allen Coe, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, etc….


WM: How did you get involved with members of ABSU?

AM: We all went to school together and played in bands that all had shared members and friendships at one time or another. I moved to the Dallas area (Plano) when I was 15 and hooked up with the Cooksey’s in Roller (aptly named by Proscriptor). Then came Infernal Oak which had members from Divine Eve. We all were located in the same rehearsal complex and when we weren’t rehearsing or touring, we were spending time in each others rooms killing brain cells.


WM: Any particular favorite memory while you were with the band?

AM: Not really anything that stands out as the favorite memory. All of it was fun, but I don´t think I enjoyed it quite as much as I should have looking back. I think my favorite part was honestly when it was just Proscriptor and I sitting in the rehearsal room creating new ideas by just going off at full volume for a few hours without much talk. Just jamming like eager teenagers and letting it happen.


WM: Did you continue any musical endeavors after you parted ways with ABSU?

AM: Yeah. Pantheon I. Did some touring and released a couple of tunes. Still working on the full length and should be finished with it sometime in the next couple of months. Really love what this band creates together. The musicianship is ridiculous. No weak links, so anything is possible when we get together. Also playing in Khonsu based out of Bergen. Love this project as well and look forward to seeing what we can do with the next release. Another project is Grotesque Hysterectomy which is just absolute chaos and fun. I did some session work with Dead Trooper and did a Euro tour as a session guitarist with Melechesh. I have a few other projects developing as we speak, so yeah, I´ve been busy since parting ways with Absu.


WM: Do you continue to follow the band?

AM: I saw them here in Oslo at Inferno festival last year. That was a little odd as the band I was playing in (Khonsu) was earlier on the same bill. I listened to the new release and must say what a piece of work. Very impressed with Vis Crom's playing and approach. And how Ezezu seems to be coming into his own inside the material. But no, I don’t follow them too closely.


WM: Thank you for your time to “catch up with us” and you can end this interview as you see fit including promoting your new material.

AM: Here are some links the various bands I am working with:


Pantheon I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJSwVCjFLSo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwDTYztgOPk

Khonsu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSFL-pVaxds

Grotesque Hysterectomy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQiiqJCXuUI

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Catching Up With... Vincent Rossi

Here is the second of my recent interviews with past members/collaborators of ABSU.  This one is with frequent ABSU (and other projects) collaborator, Vincent Rossi.

WEBMASTER: What have you been up to these days?


VINCENT ROSSI: I stay extremely busy working as a telecommunications consultant, an audio engineer, musician and song writing. I enjoy reading, building instruments and spending as much time with my family as possible.


WM:  Did you start at an early age performing a musical instrument?

VR: I started playing guitar daily at age 13.


WM: What were your major influences?

VR: I had music in my life as long as I can remember with professional musicians in my family, especially my incredibly talented uncle, Russ Bono. My parents played a broad variety of music at home daily as well as my older brother who turned me on to my biggest influences, The Beatles. My first LP album was Yesterday & Today. The first album I ever purchased was Sabbath's Paranoid, still one of my all time favorites!!!

Guitar influences are many, however, most notable would be George Harrison, Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Frank Marino, Hughie Thomasson and Charlie Daniels.


WM: How did you get involved with Proscriptor and ABSU?

VR: Shaftiel and Equitant mugged me as I was leaving the liquor store for a pint of Mad Dog 20/20 and that's a true story!!! Proscriptor came to my rescue with a 24 pack of Old Milwaukee and half a hotdog purchased from Ramone Gonzales before he went on world tour with Erykah Badu.


WM: What were your initial impressions of the music they created?

VR: Loud, fast and magikal, but with GREAT tone!!!


WM: Any particular favorite memory while you worked with ABSU and Proscriptor?

VR: Absu and I spent a lot of time together both working and socializing, I have too many favorite memories to mention just one. I cherish all of the moments we shared together, they're my younger brothers for life! One of my fondest memories with Proscriptor was videoing his audition with Slayer's Kerry King. After an all-nite session of drink induced debauchery, he still kicked Kerry's ass and that's a fact! I have it preserved eternally on video.


WM: Are you working on any musical projects right now?

VR: Aside from performing live in a couple of bands and in an acoustic duo, I continue to write music and songs for a variety of projects on a regular basis.


WM: Do you follow ABSU at all these days? What do you think of their evolution over the years?

VR: I still follow Absu, I'm fascinated by the evolution of the band and enjoy the different phases that have transpired, however, I no longer offer any creative input to the band as it's no longer convenient logistically and let's face it, Proscriptor McGovern is one of the most creative persons I know!!!


WM: Should the time be right, would you consider working with Proscriptor or ABSU again in the future?

VR: Out of respect for Absu, I would would work with all members, former and current on their solo projects.


WM: Thank you for your time to catch up with us! You can end this interview as you see fit.

VR: Thanks Pete for this honor, and thanks to my mythologikal brethren for all the great times, memories and musik!!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

Catching Up With... Zawicizuz

I recently conducted a few interviews with some past members and collaborators.  Here is the of those interviews with Zawicizuz, guitarist with ABSU from 2007-2009.

WEBMASTER: Hello Zawicizuz – thanks for taking the time to catch up with us. What have you been up to these days?

ZAWICIZUZ: Cheers Pete! Thanks for having me. Currently I'm busy promoting & performing with my new project The Black Moriah.  Shortly after my time in Absu I began this project and we've just self-released our debut album, "Casket Prospects"

WM: Did you start at an early age performing a musical instrument?

Z: My earliest memory of performance would be at a 2nd grade talent show. A bunch of us lip synced Mötley Crew's version of Smoking in the Boys Room. There were too many of us in the group so I had to hide side stage until the harmonica solo and I ran out onto the stage in my parachute pants and face paint to play a mean air-harmonica solo.

WM: What were your major influences?

Z:  Musically I try to keep an extremely wide view. I like to think my collection spans centuries rather than decades or from fad to fad. Classical music has played a large role in my musical life starting at a very young age. As for metal I would tend to lean on the old school; Slayer, Bathory, Motörhead, Kreator, Mayhem, Sodom, ect.

WM: How did you get involved with members of ABSU?

Z:  I grew up with in the Southern Abyssic Communion. My band at the time, Infernal Oak, had collaborated with Absu many times. I actually drove the van for Absu's '95 North American tour. When Proscriptor approached me about joining for the "Absu" album I jumped at the opportunity!

WM: Any particular favorite memory while you were with the band?

Z:  The opportunity to perform with Absu, along with so many other giants like Sodom, Aura Noir, Melechesh, Abscess, Raven Cult... the list goes on and on--was amazing in itself. One memorable show was in Philadelphia. The crowd was into the set and going wild, but in between every song the crowd went into a "Cowboys Suck!" chant! I had to bite my lip to hold back the laughter. Got to give it to those rabid fans, even if I hate all their teams!!!

WM:  Did you continue any musical endeavors after you parted ways with ABSU?

Z:  Absolutely! My aforementioned band The Black Moriah is gaining steam and we are looking to spread our plague further every day!

WM:  Do you still follow the band?

Z:  Yes, as a matter of fact we are playing with Absu May 4th, on the last day of their US tour.

WM:  Thank you for your time to “catch up with us” and you can end this interview as you see fit including promoting your new material.

Z:  Thank you for reaching out!  I invite all Absu fans to visit www.theblackmoriah.com to hear what I'm brewing up!!  Here's an empty glass and a shotgun blast to all!!! Keep it Metal!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Summer 2013 European Tour

June 21, 2013 - Clisson, France @ Hellfest

June 25, 2013 - London, UK @ Electrowerkz

June 26, 2013 - Oberhausen, Germany @ Helvete

June 29, 2013 - Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Fest





Friday, April 12, 2013

ABSU in Brooklyn, NY; Act II

Several more images from Invisible Oranges of ABSU's second night in Brooklyn, New York.  Once again, Gunslut of Woe/Infernal Stronghold handled percussive duties for "Stone of Destiny."

Video

Video Set List:

Pillars of Mercy
Morbid Scream
Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle
Stone of Destiny (with Proscriptor on Vocals Only)

Thursday, April 11, 2013

ABSU Performs "Stone of Destiny" Live For The First Time in Brooklyn, NY

Several pictures from Invisible Oranges of ABSU's April 10, 2013 show with Krallice @ the St. Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, New York.

During the show, Grzesiek Czapla aka Gunslut from Woe/ex-Infernal Stronghold played drums during ABSU's first live performance of "Stone of Destiny" [not "Tara (Recapitulation)" as the article notes] while Proscriptor took on sole vocal duties.  Proscriptor previously did a live lead vocal only performance for with Zemial during the song "Sleeping Under Tartarus" in 2011.

Songs featured in the video below:

13 Globes
Highland Tyrant Attack
Stone of Destiny



(In case the video above won't play for you, here is an alternative).






Thursday, April 4, 2013

REPOST: Current US Tour Dates (As of 4/4/13)

From Earsplit:

April 5, 2013 - Millcreek Tavern, Philadelphia, PA
April 6, 2013 - Roger's, Chesapeake, VA
April 7, 2013 - Strange Matter,
Richmond, VA
April 8, 2013 - Windup Space, Baltimore, MD
April 9, 2013 - Middle East (Upstairs), Cambridge, MA
April 10 and 11, 2013 - St. Vitus Bar, Brooklyn, NY
April 12, 2013 - The El "N" Gee, New London, CT

April 13, 2013 - Theatre Plaza, Montreal, QC
April 14, 2013 - L'Agitee, Quebec, QC
April 15, 2013 - The Wreck Room, Toronto, ON
April 16, 2013 -
Ace of Cups,Columbus, OH
April 17, 2013 -
Mojoes, Joilet, IL
April 18, 2013 -
Rocco's, Milwaukee, WI
April 19, 2013 -
Station 4, St. Paul, MN
April 20, 2013 -
Zoo Cabaret, Winnipeg, MB
April 22, 2013 -
Dickens Pub, Calgary, AB
April 24, 2013 -
The Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC
April 25, 2013 - Highline, Seattle, WA
April 26, 2013 - Ash Street Saloon, Portland, OR
April 27, 2013 - Festum Carnis, Soda Springs, CA
April 28, 2013 - DNA Lounge, San Francisco, CA
April 30, 2013 - The Vex, Los Angeles, CA
May 1, 2013 - The Ruby Room, San Diego, CA
May 2, 2013 - Rocky Point Cantina, Tempe, AZ
May 4, 2013 - The Boiler Room, Dallas, TX




ABSU today announces details on their upcoming tour, titled North American Connexus Conjuration. The 26-city tour will see the band perform two full sets with music spanning their 20-year recording career. It is the first full tour by the Texas-based mythological occult trio since the release of Abzu, the second of a planned trilogy of recordings.


Vocalist/drummer Proscriptor shares, “Since the release of our latest recording, Abzu, the response has been extremely vehement and now is the perfect moment to commemorate the album’s essence throughout North America. We purposely waited until the timing was ideal to embark on this journey, as we shall contaminate the communities with our craft of Mythological Occult Metal. We’re attempting to divide the concerts into two sections: the first act will showcase songs spanning from our entire discography, as the second act will focus on Phase Two from the album Tara: The Cythrául Klan’s Scrutiny. For the past couple of years, many of ABSU’s followers have requested specified songs from this chapter of Tara, so it is our aspiration to give the people what they want.”

Abzu, the band’s seventh studio album, was released October 2010. The album was mixed by J.T. Longoria (King Diamond/Solitude Aeternus) and features original works by Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Watain, Behemoth, Destroyer 666, Vader). Proscriptor commented, “With this record, we are appending dirtier elements of psychedelia and fusion. Lyrically, it descends deeper into Enki’s lower world as well the Enochian Magic(k) System.” He added, “This album is not a ‘natural progression’ from previous releases, but a feat of metaphysical conquest and murkiness.”

ABSU came to prominence with the release of their 1993 debut, Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. Each album saw continual expansion of the band’s now highly regarded artistic vision and international fanbase. It was with 2001’s Tara that the band truly arrived. The album reached top lists of countless magazines worldwide. Years, however, would pass before any new material would be recorded. In late 2007, the band finally announced their re-awakening. Now teamed with London-based Candlelight Records, the band would take nearly sixteen months writing/recording their sixth album. Absu, featuring contributions from members of King Diamond, Mayhem, Melechesh, Firstborn and Enthroned, was released early 2009.


ABSU currently features guitarist Vis Crom and bassist/vocalist Ezezu with vocalist/drummer Proscriptor.




Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Romanian Press Conference / Performance (March 2, 2013)

The following contains a press conference from Absu while they were in Romania.  The band answers  a few questions regarding the upcoming opus "Apsu" and some others.  Thanks to Christina Balbine for posting these.

Press Conference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdD6LQcxWWk&list=UUNKl7a_IuzTdNeOI3t8Od_Q&index=1

Live at Fabrica Club, Bucharest, Romania (Part I):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajuxVz5nEUI&feature=youtu.be

Live at Fabrica Club, Bucharest, Romania (Part II):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyYLK71EJZ4

Live at Fabrica Club, Bucharest, Romania (Part III):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWXFtiM2PV4

Enjoy!

Monday, January 28, 2013

"The Third Storm of Cythraul" and "Tara" LP Box Sets Coming in 2013

Proscriptor McGovern is proud to announce the upcoming re-releases of "The Third Storm Of Cythrául/In The Eyes Of Ioldánach" and "Tara" vinyl box sets via The Crypt in mid 2013.

The Third Storm Of Cythrául / In The Eyes Of Ioldánach
LP 1: Original Studio Mix
LP 2: 2013 Alternate Mix
LP 3: In The Eyes Of Ioldánach EP + Bonus Tracks

Tara
LP 1: Original Studio Mix A
LP 2: Original Studio Mix B
LP 3: Alternate Studio Mix A
LP 4: Alternate Studio Mix B + Pre-Production Outtakes


Additional details to be provided soon.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

7" EP Sale from Tarot Productions

Tarot Productions is selling several 7" EPs and many of them are very rare!  Click here to see the list and pick them up while they last!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Equitant's Artwork

The mastermind behind much of ABSU's past artwork is on display here.  Enjoy!

Be sure to visit Equitant's other site for all his music.