December 2025 Feature Release - The Infinite Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Infinite, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is the 2016 debut album by Swedish progressive melodeath band An Abstract Illusion, Illuminate the Path. Since their formation, An Abstract Illusion has presented a glorious smorgasbord of atmospheric extreme metal in their albums, and their debut has probably the best of it. Let it light the way to the more progressive and deathly fans of metal!

https://metal.academy/releases/26153

Nice choice. I enjoy everything these guys have released in the past as they're a quality act. In saying that, I need to check out their new album "The Sleeping City" some time soon.

I've done my review, here's its summary:

Nearly a decade after forming, and two years after their EP, An Abstract Illusion have released their full-length debut Illuminate the Path. Perhaps my newfound favorite album of 2016! The band's style is basically progressive melodeath with elements of atmospheric black metal. I guess a more accurate description of that style would be more complex. The structures and atmosphere all come together in a beautiful offering. There are fantastic progressive influences from different bands, while forming an original cauldron that you would really want a taste of. The epics are all magnificent journeys within a journey, just like the other full songs. And I just wanna say impressive the band members are, 3 musicians with two different roles; guitarist/bassist Karl Westerlund, keyboardist/clean vocalist Robert Stenvall, and drummer/harsh vocalist Christian Berglonn. They've all done a spectacular job with their top-notch skills. Of course, Bergloon would pass drumming duties to Isak Nilsson for live shows. Let the debut's complexity and emotion light the way!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Abode of a God", "Drop This Planet of Dust", "Vakuum", "Skeletons of Light"

For fans of: In Mourning, Omnium Gatherum, Opeth