Artist: Abisma
Country: Chile
Label: Ancient Spirit Terror
Formats: Demo Tape
Year: 2026
Abisma already released a demo tape in 2022 and a full-length in 2023, but it was only available within the inner circle around the band or to those who tend to delve deep into the (South American) Black Metal scene. Yet, it was presented to a slightly wider audience through the re-release of the album, ‘Disciples Of The Black Ram’, by Zombi Danz Records and Messe Noir Productions who took care of a vinyl and cassette tape release respectively. The band is currently working on the follow-up to that album, aiming to consolidate and further build upon its status as a slowly rising star in the mystical and occult Black Metal scene. As a preview, the band has released a 2-track demo, initially digitally via their Bandcamp page, but it is now also available in physical format through the German label Ancient Spirit Terror.
Anyone familiar with Abisma’s earlier work will undoubtedly recognise the sound straight away, reminiscent of the classic albums from the Greek Black Metal scene. On these two new tracks, too, Abisma once again sounds like the ultimate blend of Varathron, Rotting Christ and Necromantia. The characteristic open-chord riffs have an unmistakable Heavy Metal feel, but the warm keyboards and hoarse vocal outbursts are true a throwback to ‘Thy Mighty Contract’ and ‘His Majesty At The Swamp’.
Admittedly, I needed quite a few spins before ‘Promo Demo 2026’ really did his magic, mostly because of the Heavy Metal guitar tone in the opening part. But once it did click, these two tracks turned out to be as addictive as anything in the world. The demo tape doesn’t only represent the timeless power of Greek Black Metal, it also shows how good and creative Abisma is. Within the rather narrow musical framework, they managed to find the secret to sound both alluring and authentic, while even being able to add something of their own to it. If the upcoming album is nearly as good as these two tracks, then we can brace ourselves for a potential contender for the 2026 year-end charts.
