Year: 2023
Label: Darker Than Black Records
Rating: 7,8 / 10
Let me remind you, my dear readers, that at the moment there seem to be two bands in the world called ABSURD, although one of them exists only on paper, but stinks for five. The real ABSURD is headed by Hendrik Möbus who, after a distinctive performance at the Asgardsrei festival in 2017, decided to continue the band's studio activities. You have already had the opportunity to read about the beginning of the nonsense around ABSURD in Megalucifers 2021(no English translation, sorry!), but over the past two years, a lot of interesting things have happened around this situation, which I will write about separately in Megalucifers 2023 very soon.
ABSURD has never been on my list of favorites. This is one of the very few classic bands whose demos are simply nightmarish. Releases from the period 1995-1999 are different matter though, they are absolute cult! I also really love the collection of re-recorded songs named "Der fünfzehnjährige Krieg". But all the things that were done without Hendrik, somehow I don't get them. The Teutonic ”robber" metal from Wolf and Unhold sounds very good in most part, but there were always not enough tracks on their albums that would remain in my memory. "Der fünfzehnjährige Krieg" compilation was indicative precisely in that it made it clear: totenlieders and blutgerichts are all good and well, but there is nothing like "Mourning Soul” or “Gates Of Heaven" on them.
The most interesting thing is that in terms of music, ABSURD, having returned under Hendrik's control, has not changed much. It is more or less the same simple, straightforward, punchy Teutonic metal, only a little more aggressive. Specifically ”Das Heer aus dem Dunkel" is Black Metal, not NS or Heathen Metal (as I understood after reading the lyrics), and it sounds accordingly. There are no heavy-handed ballads or poorly disguised RAC here, but only a frisky, angry and apocalyptic attack by the steel. Widar (BILSKIRNIR) plays guitars, but I should note that his playing style does not resemble his own bands at all. This is one hundred percent ABSURD, which you can easily recognize in 5 seconds. Especially since the third track features Wolf Möbus with his trademark brisk vocals. Taking this opportunity, I send the rays of diarrhea to loudmouths like Yura Chernobob (Ragnarok Records) and their fairytales about how Wolf hates Hendrik for “appropriating” his band. If there are still dumb asses who can't understand what's what, the EP includes a statement from Wolf where he officially blesses his brother for the continuation of ABSURD's activities and expresses gratitude to all former musicians of the band.
Having listened to ”Das Heer aus dem Dunkel" several times, I remain with my opinion about which recordings of ABSURD are interesting to me personally. But I can say with confidence that the fans of the band will not be disappointed. This is exactly what you expected. The release will be out on December 21st on CD and 10-inch vinyl.
English (UK) 
Крыўская