New Nightrage Single: Abyss Rising (Despotz Records)

For melodic death metal fans who don’t mind modern takes on this widely explored genre, Greek/Swedish virtuosos, Nightrage, have yet another great record on the horizon. Like clockwork, this band has been churning out a new record every two years or so, constantly showcasing fresh ideas, infectious melodies, and powerful lyrics. Their aggression hasn’t slowed down in their songwriting processes either. The newest single, “Abyss Rising”, released today, puts a melancholic spin on an upbeat, fist-pumping, heart attack of a song. The root note progression in almost every riff conveys the sadness the metal scene has felt over the past year, while still putting the driving, aggressive nature of the band’s spirit proudly on display through barrages of speedy, note-packed solos, heavy verses, and melody-driven choruses under unwavering harsh vocals. If this song is a blueprint for the rest of the forthcoming album, consider me swooned. I’ve supported this band nonstop the past fifteen years or so, and after so many lineup changes, I think it’s clear that mastermind, Marios Iliopoulos, has finally found the ideal group of dudes to keep pushing this band further into the twenty-first century. The chemistry between the latest lineup on the last few albums has certainly been audible. Cheers on another great track!