"Temples of Offal/Return of the Ancients" LP Available For Pre-Order

Pre-Order Here

Following the tradition of our new upcoming Standard Edition LPs being presented in a straightforward yet affordable format, the Crypt is honored to reissue ABSU's 1992 masterpiece "The Temples Of Offal" plus the cult "Return Of The Ancients" demo on 12" vinyl!

The LP comes housed in a 350 gram, semi-gloss jacket featuring the original illustration by Equitant. To retain the classic feel of the original 1992 release, the LP jacket is designed in the spirit of the original EP layout with attention to detail - even down to the original typeface!

We are presenting two jacket options for collectors. First, the original positive image the way Equitant originally illustrated the cover, and second, the negative, reverse image of that as was used on the original Gothic Records EP.

As a bonus, we have included the track "Abhorred Xul," composed when Absu was still called Azathoth, previously only available on the long out of print “Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L” 3-LP box set.

Also, included in this set is a 12" x 12" two-sided lyric insert with classic band photos, ads and flyers. 300 copies will be on classic black wax, 300 on white wax, and 300 on clear wax.

Expect the same level of quality we have always presented: this time substantially less expensive and without all the bells and whistles!

ABSU Collectors Network

We invite you to join us in a new discussion group for collectors of ABSU material. It's free - click here to join in.

The Gold Torques Of Ulaid Lyrics

Music: Shaftiel & Proscriptor
Lyrical Magick: Equitant (Lúnasa/August ‘96)
Lead Voice: Proscriptor
Backing Voice: Shaftiel
Lead Guitar: Shaftiel
Rhythm Guitar: Equitant
Bass Guitar: Shaftiel
Drums: Proscriptor
Recording: Nomad Studios - Carrollton, Texas - USA (12/2/96)
Production: ABSU
Executive Production: New Line Productions & London Records
Engineering: Sterling Winfield, Gary Long, & ABSU
Editing: Peter Clark

---

1st Verse

“I see you slippin’ away from my sight. My vision is dwindling, it can’t be the night?”
The chivalrous |1| dragoons race toward the line. They bring crocks of barley, some honey, and wine.
“I am the |2| Red Knight that charges with might! I soar like a grey hawk I’ve seen in |3| take-flight!”
The birds of prey land on the bleak river forks. In their beaks, gripping, are three bloody torques.

Chorus

It’s sad to remember those sickening years that shed the tears - TORQUES OF GOLD
A dream of Earth, the dream of Seas, we rode with spears - TORQUES OF GOLD
We brace ‘em bold - TORQUES OF GOLD
We’re wise, not old - TORQUES OF GOLD

2nd Verse

The grey hawks flew in the mild, Southern wind. The champions of the |4| Red Branch Cycle defend.
“I’m |5| Ross The Red of |6| Ulaidh; I’ve never failed! I’m the son, father’s the |7| High King; we prevailed!
He saw you slippin’ away from his eyes. His sight returned, as the night filled with lies.
“I weigh anchor hoist, ocean deep, then set sail. I search for new Earth, Southern wind, and the gale.

Bridge

WE’VE BEEN TOLD
YOUR PRIDE WAS SOLD,
SO FACE THE BOLD....
STRIKE!

(Lead: Shaftiel)

Proclamation (x4)

FAR
...FROM HOME,
WE’RE
...SO FAR.

Repeat 1st Verse, Chorus, 2nd Verse, & Bridge

---

|1| A heavily armed cavalryman in Celtic Mythology.
|2| A warrior who was the guardian of Ulster during the days of Conchobar Mac Nessa (King Of Ulster). Cúchulainn was the most accepted of all Red Knights in Celtic mythology.
|3| The act of a winged species preparing to fly.
|4| Known as the Ulster Cycle as well. This is the great heroic cycle of Irish mythology. As far back as the Irish tradition goes, there is an enormous institute of “knighthood” within the Red Branch Cycle.
|5| Founder of the Red Branch Cycle, who wed Maga, daughter of the god Aonghus Óg. Ross The Red designed their banner, which had a yellow lion on a green field of silk.
|6| Ulster.
|7| In Irish Gaelic language, the High King was also known as the Ard Ri or Ard Righ. According to ancient, bardic king lists, these were the first and most powerful kings in Ireland until the year 1 A.D. The Anglo-Saxons referred to them as “overlords.”

New T-Shirt and Poster Flag Available

New items available here.

Artwork for "Telepaths Within Nin-Edin" 7" Released

Designed by Ted from The Crypt/Dark Syphonies.

Festival Appearance and Additional Re-Issue Albums Coming

ABSU will perform at the Black Flames of Blasphemy Festival on Saturday, November 15th, 2014 @ Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.

The Crypt/Dark Symphonies have announced they will reissue all ABSU's back catalouge up to 2001's Tara in the future:

The Sun of Tiphareth - Original Recording + 2013 Remix Official Reissue 2LP

...And Shineth Unto The Cold Cometh... - Official Reissue 7" EP

The Third Storm of Cythrául - Original Recording + 2013 Remix Official Reissue 2LP

In the Eyes of Ioldánach - Official Reissue LP

Tara - Official Reissue 2LP

These will be substantially cheaper than the Box Sets that were issued earlier but still retain the same high quality you come to expect from The Crypt/Dark Symphonies.

In addition, Dark Descent Records plans to release a CD version of ABSU's demos, "The Temples of Offal" and "Return of the Ancients" in 2015. The Crypt/Dark Symphonies already plans to release the LP version of this also in 2015 as previously announced. Tracks from the demos/promos of "Immortal Sorcery", "Infinite And Profane Thrones" and "Promo 1993" will not be included as they are no longer available.

Unknown Force Records to release new Absu 7" EP

UNKNOWN FORCE RECORDS ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH ABSU FOR UPCOMING EP RELEASE

Texas mythological occult metal tyrants have joined forces with a brand new label based out of Dallas, Texas called Unknown Force Records - unleashing a new seven-inch release titled "Telepaths Within Nin-Edin".

This EP will contain two tracks: Hall Of The Masters taken from the Adult Swim series, as well as an unreleased, backing track of Circles Of The Oath. The release will be presented as a single pressing of 500 hand-numbered limited copies: 100 = translucent clear vinyl/400 = opaque green vinyl.

Proscriptor 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.”

Abzu, the band’s seventh studio album, was released October 2011. The album was recorded/mixed by J.T. Longoria (King Diamond/Solitude Aeternus) and features original works by Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Ghost, Watain, Entombed, Behemoth, Destroyer 666, Vader, Etc.) Proscriptor commented, "with this record, we appended dirtier elements of psychedelia and fusion. Lyrically, it descends deeper into Enki's lower world as well the Thelemic Magic(k) System." He added, "This album is not a 'natural progression' from previous releases, but a feat of metaphysical conquest and murkiness.”

Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. Single LPs Available Now

Available via The Vault on Absu's website.

Available in Black, Clear and White.

New Shirts Avaiable Via Shadow Kingdom Records

New shirts available through Shadow Kingdom Records.

"The Temples of Offal / Return of the Ancients" To Get LP Release in 2015

From The Crypt/Dark Symphonies:

Following the tradition of our new upcoming Standard edition LPs being presented in a in a straightforward, affordable format., the Crypt is honored to reissue ABSU's 1992 masterpiece "The Temples of Offal" plus the cult "Return of the Ancients" demo on 12" vinyl!

The LP comes housed in a 350 gram, semi-gloss jacket featuring the original illustration by Equitant. To retain the classic feel of the original 1992 release, the LP jacket is designed in the spirit of the original EP layout with attention to detail - even down to the original typeface!

We are presenting two jacket options for collectors. One, the original positive image the way Equitant originally illustrated the cover, and two, the negative, reverse image of that as was used on the original EP.

Also included in this set is a 12" x 12" lyric insert. 300 copies will be on classic black wax, 300 on Clear wax, 300 on white wax and 100 copies on purple colored wax (Dark Descent Records "Dark Temple" Exclusive edition).

Expect the same level of quality we have always presented: this time substantially less expensive and without all the bells and whistles!

ALL previous box set releases are now officially sold out!

August 30, 2014 Show Announced

ABSU will play in Austin, Texas on August 30, 2014 @ The Dirty Dog Bar with HOD, Widower, Midnight, Morbosidad and Morgengrau.

Proscriptor Inks Deal With Trick Drums

Proscriptor McGovern (a.k.a Russ R. Givens), drummer/vocalist of the Texas Mythological Occult Metal band ABSU, has inked an official endorsement deal with Trick Drums.

Comments Proscriptor: "To begin with, I feel extremely honored and fortunate to be supported by the Trick organization. For years, I have been searching for the most flawless pedals to satisfy my performance capability, as it has been finally discovered with Trick’s Pro 1-V pedals. When I initially acquired them, I immediately noticed the precision and acute engineering behind the machined parts - harvesting not only lightning speed, but also the most stalwart of powers. In other words, Trick’s Pro 1-V pedals are the choice weapons of ABSU’s euphonious destruction.”

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.”

Abzu, the band’s seventh studio album, was released October 2011. The album was recorded/mixed by J.T. Longoria (King Diamond/Solitude Aeternus) and features original works by Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Ghost, Watain, Entombed, Behemoth, Destroyer 666, Vader, Etc.) Proscriptor commented, “With this record, we appended dirtier elements of psychedelia and fusion. Lyrically, it descends deeper into Enki’s lower world as well the Thelemic 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 fan base. 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.

New(er) Merchandise Available and Website News

There is plenty of newer merchandise available in The Vault including several LPs now for sale direct from Tarot Productions! The option to trade is also available! Go here for details. Also, an announcement relating to the website is forthcoming. Stay tuned for details.

New Merchandise Available

The Vault has been re-opened with all new merchandise, direct from ABSU's recent tour of Australia! You can check it out here.

Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. LP to be Re-Issued by The Crypt

From The Crypt/Dark Symphonies:

ABSU (USA): Barathrum V.I.T.R.I.O.L. STANDARD EDITION Official LP (CRYPT13)

Over the years, we have received a lot of feedback from fans and customers stating their budget doesn't allow for our luxurious editions or that all of the bonus tracks, poster or box isn't necessary and would simply prefer to have the vinyl in a straightforward, affordable format. Well, we finally listened!

The Crypt is honored to reissue ABSU's debut masterpiece "Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L." on classic black wax!

The LP comes housed in a 350 gram, semi-gloss jacket featuring the original Gothic Records cover illustration by Tim Phillips. To retain the classic feel of the original 1993 release, the LP jacket is designed in the spirit of the original CD layout with attention to detail - even down to the original typeface! Also included in this set is a 12" x 12" lyric insert. Expect the same level of quality we have always presented: this time substantially less expensive and without all the bells and whistles! Coming in late 2014!

ABSU: "Origin: War and Magic(k)" Box Set - PRE-ORDER NOW!

Information Here.

Every great story has a prologue. Before the mighty ABSU, there were two occult metal manifestations... MAGUS and DOLMEN that together, helped to forge one of the the most well know acts in the underground today.

The Crypt is proud to present our further cooperation with ABSU members Proscriptor and Equitant, with deluxe 12" gatefold vinyl editions of MAGUS - Ruminations of Debauchery and DOLMEN - On the Eve of War. Both releases will feature original cover art and layout elements. DOLMEN features the unreleased, original1989 mono mix (the 2001 Vinyl release features an artificial stereo mix as the tracks were only ever recorded in mono) as well as an unreleased cover of Slayer's "Black Magic". Magus will feature the original unreleased mix of "Ruminations..." as well as the 1992 "Lines That Formed Hexagrams" demo. All songs mastered for vinyl from the original analog and dat sources.

Both gatefolds come housed in an amazing, heavy gauge case wrapped, hand numbered box with a new amazing, original Kris Verwimp cover illustration which is also included as a poster. Limited to 200 hand numbered copies on 180 gram black vinyl

TRACK LIST:

LP One – Side A: MAGUS – Ruminations Of Debauchery – Original Mix – 1992
Icons Of Gods
Debauchery
Ruminations (...Of Nature)
The Magus

Side B: MAGUS - Lines That Formed Hexagrams – Orignal Mix – 1992
Ruminations
Reflections Of The Dark (Carbonized Cover)
The Magus
Dataquest
Hexacles (Outro)

LP Two: Side A & B: DOLMEN – On The Eve of War – Original Mono Mix – 1989
Conjuration (Intro)
The Ritual Night
Dolmen (Living In Fear)
On The Eve of War
The Battle
Denigration
Infernal Attack
Thy Summoning (Outro)
Black Magic (Slayer Cover)

Layout By The Crypt – All Tracks Mastered for Vinyl By Dan Lowndes @ Resonance Sound 2014.

Here is an excellent performance clip of ABSU at Maryland Deathfest X performing "Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle", which has its origins with Dolmen.

Celebrating "Tara"

With the release of the "Tara" Box Set occurring now (you can purchase it here), here is a list of some interesting information about "Tara":

In 2001, an Italian magazine called “Grind Zone” reported the following as the official tracklist of “Tara”:

I. "Tara"
II. "Pillars Of Mercy"
III. "A Shield With An Iron Face"
IV. "To The Gallows"
V. "Cries Of Sanity"
VI. "She Cries The Quiet Lake"
VII. "From Ancient Times (Starless Skies Burn To Ash)"
VIII. "Spell 181"
IX. "Vorago (Spell 182)"
X. "Four Crossed Wands"
XI. "Hall Of The Masters"
XII. "The Great Battle Moving From Ideal To Actual"
XIII. "Tara (Reprise)"

The observant will notice TWO Morbid Scream covers here (one of which ultimately was recorded and released on the split 7” with Rumplestilskin Grinder). The other was never completed.

Four Crossed Wands and Spell 181 appeared to be separate tracks at first.

"The Great Battle Moving From Ideal To Actual" which was recorded by Bard Algol Eriboas (aka Josh Cook of Cernunnos Woods). This was to later be released on the “Hallstattian Swords” EP but instead did not appear until the Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001" compilation.

In 2012, ABSU recorded "Hall of the Masters" and released it as a single (and later a video).

Speaking of which, the version of "Stone of Destiny (...For Magh Slecht and Ard Righ)" that appears on the "Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001" Compilation is called the "Hall of the Masters Version".

The "Tara" artwork by Kris Verwimp contains actual soil samples from the Hill of Tara.

Early promotional material stated that Mike Scaccia of Rigor Mortis/Ministry fame was going to contribute to the album but that fell through.

King Diamond was recording his album "House of God" at the time ABSU was to enter the studio. This led to some delays to which King Diamond offered to perform vocals on "Tara". However, due to contractual restrictions, he could not be credited on the album. Therefore, he was credited as Masthema Mazziqim, the alias used by the singer of Dolmen which featured Shaftiel and Equitant.

The synthesizer used on "A Shield With An Iron Face" was previously owned by Jimmy Destri of Blondie and was used on the song "Heart of Glass".

Ronnie Trent, who contributed vocals, also played in a band called 10 Kingdomns to which Shaftiel was to contribute guitar work to.

Tara is widely considered to be ABSU's magnum opus and carries a 92% rating based off 10 reviews on Metal-Archives.com

Vincent Rossi, who contributed acoustic guitars and mandolin work on Tara, also performed on Proscriptor's self-titled work.

Sir Don Shannon, who contributed the bagpipe work on the intro and outro of the album, is a native of Northern Ireland, has been piping for over 35 years. In the UK, Don served as Pipe Major of an award winning band, participating in numerous competitions in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, including the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association World Championships. You can book him through Encore Productions Entertainment, Inc.

David Harbour, who contributed keyboard and piano work, has an extensive list of work he has done over the years which can be viewed here. He has also worked with Proscriptor on his solo work and with Equimanthorn.

The intro to "Manannán" is approximately one minute longer than the version from the "In the Eyes of Ioldánach" EP.

Many of the legends sang or written about (in the liner notes) discuss the Hill of Tara, of which this album is based. Additional information can be found here.

And finally, a lengthy discussion from Chronicles of Chaos between Proscriptor and Paul Schwarz regarding Tara and the overall work behind it.

Live ABSU Videos

Multiple live videos from ABSU, several of which have never been seen before by the public, are available for viewing here.

Some Additional US Tour Dates Added for 2014

Tour Dates Include:

February 28, 2014 - New Orleans, LA @ Siberia

March 1, 2014 - Houston, TX @ Fizgeralds

March 7, 2014 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory

March 8, 2014 - San Antonio, TX @ Limelight

March 9, 2014 - Dallas, TX @ Curtain Club

The "Thrashstorms" EP Debacle

With the release of the "Third Storm of Cythraul" 3LP Box Set, the liner notes speak of the "Thrashstorms" EP, an album that has reached legendary status in the ABSU legacy.  Did they record those songs?  Does it exist?  Will they ever be released?  Here is that story:

In 1996, ABSU began to rehearse several cover songs, intending to release an EP called the "Thrashstorms". Some of the songs were recorded and later released elsewhere but the rest of the tracks remained incomplete. Proscriptor had told Osmose Records on what they had planned to do and Osmose put it int heir newsletter. With the annoucement, Relapse Records famously put in their catalog before even knowing if the EP had been pressed.

The following bands were going to be covered on the EP:

I. ABSU - Thrashstorms +
II. NECROVORE – Divus de Mortuus (Divus de Mortuus) 1987
III. SACRIFICE – Necronomicon (Torment In Fire) 1986
IV. KREATOR – Flag Of Hate (Endless Pain/Flag Of Hate) 1985/1986
V. DESTRUCTION – Bestial Invasion (Infernal Overkill) 1985 *
VI. VOIVOD – Ravenous Medicine (Killing Technology) 1987 **
VII. POSSESSED – Swing Of The Axe – (Demo 1985/The Eyes Of Horror) 1985/1987 ***
VIII. MANOWAR – Wheels Of Fire (Kings Of Metal) 1988
IX. BULLDOZER – Insurrection Of The Living Damned (The Day Of Wrath) 1985
X. IRON MAIDEN - Transylvania (Iron Maiden) 1980 ****
XI. MAYHEM - Carnage (Deathcrush) 1987 *****

TRACK NOTES:
+ "Thrashstorms" was an original track by the band, later reworked into "Hallstatt". The band did eventually record "Thrashstorms" in 2007 for the "Speed N' Spikes Vol. II &" EP.
* "Bestial Invasion" (Destruction) in rehearsal format was featured on Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 album.
** "Ravenous Medicine" (Voivod) was originally going to be featured on a Voivod Tribute album to be released by Relapse Records, but fell through. The track remains unreleased.
*** "Swing of the Axe" (Possessed) was featured on three different releases: 1. Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 (Osmose Productions/The End) 2005; 2. Seven Gates Of Horror: A Tribute To Possessed (Karmageddon Media/Candlelight Records USA) 2004 and 3. V/A: Thrashing Holocaust (Necropolis Records) 1999
**** "Transylvania" (Iron Maiden) was featured on 1. A Call To Irons - A Tribute To Iron Maiden (Dwell Ministries) 1998 and 2. Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 (Osmose Productions/The End) 2005
***** Originally, the band wanted to cover "Carnage" for this EP. They later were given the opportunity to cover a Mayhem song for the "Originators of Northern Darkness" tribute album but Behemoth had already selected it. The band chose "Deathcrush" instead also decided to include the infamous intro "Silvester Anfang" as well.

As noted, the rest of the songs noted above remain unreleased due to the fact that they were never completed and/or were only rehearsal tracks.  There are no plans to ever release them.  In its place, the band recorded the "In The Eyes of Ioldanach" EP and released that in 1998.

Here are some additional informational bits from various interviews way back in the day.

From Chronicles of Chaos in 1997:

CoC: Well, I'm bummed to hear that Thrashstorms won't be coming out, because those are cool choices for songs to cover.

Proscriptor: We've been playing them since well before Absu was formed.  There were bands before Absu like Karrion and Karnage - both spelled with a 'K'... wonder why. Like Kreator. We've been playing the songs since '88; it's in our blood, which is why we planned the mini-CD. But, on the other hand, I told Herve the plan, but I never set any release date - then he puts it in a newsletter for Osmose. Then I look in a Relapse catalog, and they claim that they're carrying the Thrashstorms mini-CD.  It's never even initially been pressed. So I called up Relapse and fucked with them: 'Yeah, I'll take forty copies.'  These people fucking kill me.

From Mourning The Ancient in 1999:

MTA: What's the deal with 'Thrashstorms?' There was some confusion about its release date between Osmose and Relapse?

Proscriptor:  We never released it because too many bands are covering too much thrash material, as well as contributing to tribute albums. It's over: however, if there was ever to be an ABSU box set to be unleashed 10-15 years from now, I would highly consider putting the "Thrashstorms" mini-disque on it. Relapse made an immense mistake by printing it in their catalog when it was initially never released.