Abyssic Hate: Suicidal Emotions (2000)

One can already tell that this is not going to be the most uplifting album in the world.  From the band name to the album title to the album cover, it is clear that this Australian black metal band does not have a lot of positive things to say.  And sure enough, this is a style commonly referred to as depressive black metal. 

Abyssic Hate is a one-man project of Shane Rout, who has spent time in Australian metal luminaries such as Hecatomb and Deströyer 666, usually as a drummer.  It is somewhat surprising then that the drums are actually the least impressive part of this album.  In fact, despite the fact that Rout is a drummer, he made use of a drum machine on this release. 

But enough of the negative, this album blew me away.  I have had a little bit of difficulty getting into this style of black metal until I heard Leviathan.  If I had heard this album first, it may have been a significantly different story.  There is a lot going on in this release, even if it seems fairly simplistic on the surface.  The songs are quite lengthy, usually propelled by fairly minimalist riffs, much like Darkthrone's Transilvanian Hunger.  It is no surprise to know that the band's name comes from a Darkthrone song.  But beneath the riffs is some strangely compelling melodies reminiscent of groups like Joy Division and The Cure.  That is not to say that these elements are overpowering, but they exist in order to propel the emotional center of the album.  The biggest highlight is the opening riff of "Betrayed".  That was the moment that really captured my attention and the album refused to let go after that.

Fans of Xasthur, Leviathan and other depressive black metal absolutely MUST check this album out.  This should be a landmark in the style.  It is truly impressive.  Unfortunately it is the only full-length from Abyssic Hate and Rout has ended this project.  It would have been tough to top this album anyway.