STATIC ABYSS

Labyrinth Of Veins (Peaceville)

Not merely content with being in one of the sickest death metal bands in the world, scene veterans Autopsy, two of that band’s lineup are looking to plummet to new depths of heaviness with Static Abyss. Chris Reifert is the duo’s drumming vocalist, as he is in Autopsy, while bassist Greg Wilkinson also handles guitar on debut album Labyrinth Of Veins.

Whilst there is plenty of fast Autopsy-style riffing to enjoy, what sets Static Abyss apart from Reifert and Wilkinson’s other band is the satisfyingly bludgeoning doom riffs that they drop at every given opportunity – bringing to mind bands like Burning Witch, as ethereal lead guitar work vies for attention with the disgusting heaviness. There are also more than a few nods towards old-school UK hardcore bands like Discharge when they put their foot on the gas, but ultimately what we have in Labyrinth of Veins is a prime chunk of death-doom.

words CHRIS ANDREWS