Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.
Absu · 1993
30 min · 7 tracks · thrash metal
A whirlwind of aggressive riffs and esoteric themes collides with a relentless rhythmic drive throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Descent to Acheron (Evolving Into the Progression of Woe) — This track exemplifies the album's thematic depth, weaving together intricate melodies and aggressive rhythms while exploring existential despair.
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An Involution of Thorns — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its ferocious energy and complex arrangements, showcasing Absu's signature sound.
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Infinite and Profane Thrones — With its expansive length and varied dynamics, this track reflects the band's willingness to experiment while maintaining their thrash roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and thematic depth, though its execution varies across tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rapid-fire tempo and aggressive guitar riffs, maintaining high energy through the first four tracks.
- Lyrical themes draw heavily from mythology and the occult, often intertwining with the music's intensity to enhance the overall atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- aggressive bursts of rhythmic energy
- short tracks for intense focus
- esoteric themes that provoke thought
- fast-paced listening for adrenaline seekers
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, laid-back sounds
- want lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1993, Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. was Absu's second studio album, following their 1992 debut, Taranis. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the thrash metal genre while experimenting with complex lyrical concepts and musical intricacies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Demolition Hammer· Sepultura· Annihilator
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 An Involution of Thorns 3:07
- 2 Descent to Acheron (Evolving Into the Progression of Woe) 4:33
- 3 An Equinox of Fathomless Disheartenment 3:12
- 4 The Thrice Is Greatest to Ninnigal 5:00
- 5 Infinite and Profane Thrones 6:21
- 6 Fantasizing to the Third of the Pagan Vision (Quoth the Sky, Nevermore Act II) 5:28
- 7 An Evolution of Horns 3:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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