Abhor: Occulta Religio (2018)

Abhor fits in well on a playlist with Fleshgod Apocalypse.  For one thing the music is fairly similar: extreme metal with symphonic elements.  In addition, both bands are from Italy.  But that is where the superficial similarities end.  Abhor bases their metal sound in black metal whereas Fleshgod Apocalypse is more of a death metal band.  And of course, the symphonic elements are toned down considerably in Abhor's music, but they are a major element in that of Fleshgod Apocalypse.  I guess I really have no idea where I am going with this.  I am not sure how this band escaped my notice for so long, because I really enjoyed this release.

The album title here is definitely appropriate.  Abhor's music is generally slower-paced, doom-laden black metal but with some symphonic elements.  Many of these come in the form of organ music that gives off the atmosphere of an occult ritual in most parts.  In other parts, the effect is of the soundtrack to a cheesy ghost movie.  The vocals are often delivered in a guttural raspy voice, but there are moments of clean singing and even chanting which just adds to the occult ritual and/or ghost  story soundtrack.

Abhor strikes a perfect balance between traditional black metal and symphonic elements.  Those elements never overwhelm the black metal foundation and complement it quite well.  This is a very impressive album from a band I was not previously aware of, but will definitely be checking out further now.