Artist: Bestial Abyss
Country: USA
Label: Unpure Records
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2025
In the latest series of releases by Unpure Records, there was also this re-release of the compilation of the first two digital demos by Bestial Abyss, originally released by Analog Overdose Records from Ecuador. Personally I haven’t seen any copies reaching European shores, I can imagine most of the 100 copies were mainly spread around in South America, so Unpure Records’ re-release is unneeded luxury. This compilation tape is Bestial Abyss’ third release in just a few weeks, and if you manage to get your hands on all three, you are the proud owner of the complete oeuvre of this American Black/Death Metal band.
Their recent split releases with Bestial Temple and Goatflesh might sound a little “better’ than these first two demos, but fans of rawer productions can have their fun with this compilation. Not that either of these two demos, ‘Phlegethon’ and ‘The Black Supper’ (both originally released in 2024), are the rawest or most unlistenable demos ever, but I always love to hear a rough edge to this sort of music. A remarkable detail is that the second demo, ‘The Black Supper’ is significantly harsher and feels more like a rehearsal recording than an actual demo. This might require a little readjusting, but once your ears are used to it, it is clear that you’re listening to the same band.
Either way, as productional values are subject to personal preferences, the songs in question already shows this bands’ quality. Regardless which of the two demos you’d take, they both show the band’s capacity to sound raw and raucous but composed at the same time. There’s actual riffs going on and the wild frenzy is clearly just all about controlled chaos. Then there is the choice of guitar tone that is something that I personally like very much. Although most evidently on the ‘Phlegethon’ demo, the slightly heavier tone adds much to the grinding character of the music, almost as if Bolt Thrower’s ‘Realm Of Chaos’ was on constant rotation in between rehearsals.
