Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Abstract Illusion, An - Atonement Is Nigh (2014)
Music can be seen as something different from a different perspective. From mine, music is quite underappreciated. It's often heard and listened to, but not fully embraced. There are many unique artists that people seem to overlook because those people are just blindly following what's popular. An Abstract Illusion is a band that really should've been big, like universal big! This Swedish metal band is barely known outside the metal underground, and they seemed to have struggled before they were even known at all, having taken 7 years since their formation to release an EP. The EP, Atonement is Nigh marks the beginning of their impressive complex journey. The songs are filled with pure emotion. It can take you a different otherworldly realm like isekai, and it's the closest to doing so that isn't drugs.
How awesome is this EP?!? It's essentially a half-hour of genuine talent! It has everything majestic from the guitars, keyboards, and drums. I would consider this progressive melodeath with elements of atmospheric black metal. It has a similar epic melodeath vibe to Wintersun, and I enjoy An Abstract Illusion as I had enjoyed Wintersun 10 years before this review. Generally it's all about atmosphere and not "Which breakdown is more brutal than the first?" With every cold blizzard of blackened drums, tremolos, and harsh vocals, there's a warm breeze of piano and clean singing, all for a haunting combo. And they're not called "abstract" for nothing, as you'll soon hear in these 3 tracks...
The band's first ever song is their longest one, the 16 and a half minute "The Sun Will Bleach All Bones". Everything's awesome in the different moods within the vocals and instrumentation. It's quite a storm through the emotions coming from both vocal styles. Smooth piano often occurs, and it's played so beautifully. The growling is also strong and brave, especially midway through with an unleashed scream that isn't as long as a few of the ones by Mikael Akerfeldt but can almost put it all to shame. And of course, the chorus is a melodic blessing, shining the most at the end to conclude the first part of this adventure that has just begun. Next track "Rain" might just be one of the best 7-minute instrumentals I've heard. Not once was I ever bored, with the blend of atmosphere and guitar melody keeps me awake. As of writing this, it's already early December, so it's the perfect time to listen to this piece on a cold Autumn/Winter night. And that's all for me to say about this song, really.
The 3rd and last track of the EP, "Chameleon of the Clouds" has faster deathly dynamics. Well it starts slow at first, but then it evolves into powerful riffing and growls. The atmosphere is quite haunting, all the way up to the piano outro. Oh and it should be noted that the exact same piano melody in that outro would be used in the intro track for their debut full-length album Illuminate the Path. Kind of a similar connection to Born of Osiris' The New Reign and A Higher Place. Anyway, such a beautiful ending track!
Beyond the minds of a few people is a beautiful creation that doesn't get the amount of admiration they really need. The music is the perfect soundtrack to braving a stormy winter night, whether letting it embrace you or just viewing it at home. This band is like a whole new universe they've created, and it shall be one to be with!
Favorites: All of them, especially "The Sun Will Bleach All Bones"