Abuser come from Wrozlaw, Poland and ‘Blood Marks’ is their debut full-length album, released via the mighty Spanish label Xtreem Music, whose boss is none other than Dave Rotten from the premier Spanish Death Metal band Avulsed. So we have some serious guys here which is evident from the opening track ‘Cry of the Innocent’: furious and spiteful Thrash Metal in the vein of early Sodom, Dark Angel or Sadus.
First thing that makes an impression is the impressive drum work of Klimek, who is bashing the skins like a rabid animal, combining ferocity and precision. The guitar riffs of Albert Matuszny are ripping in the best Thrash tradition and Pawel’s voice sounds like a demented Max Cavalera. The title track ‘Blood Marks’ is capable of breaking up your neck because of its headbanging power and some interesting bass patterns from Michal.
Same can be said about ‘Painbringer’ which has this chaotic blasting energy known from the works of Dark Angel. Good news is that not everything in ‘Blood Marks’ is subjected to speed: there are slower and heavier tracks such as ‘Fin de Siecle’ that stand out among the fast-paced ones. There is a significant Death Metal influence as it is evident in skull smashers such as ‘Struggling with Reality’ and ‘Abuser’.
I am not the greatest Thrash Metal fan but ‘Blood Marks’ is more than a decent debut effort. Abuser show a lot of talent and it is no coincidence that they are being released by Dave Rotten’s label. If you need some more ferocious Metal Thrashin’ Mad into your life then check this record out!
