Abyssal Vacuum is a Black Metal band from Lyon, France, formed in 2017. Originally a solo project by Sébastien Besson (also of Dysylumn and Ominous Shrine), it evolved into a full lineup, including guitarist Onbra (Serpens Luminis, Viande). Their music is raw, atmospheric, and ritualistic—blending slow, trance-like passages with bursts of intensity. Their songs do not contain titles, instead bearing Roman numerals. Their debut album features six tracks named after geographic coordinates, pointing to mysterious or spiritually charged locations such as Mammoth Cave in Kentucky or remote areas in Georgia and Belize. The album is said to be the culmination of years of EPs and compilations.
Let’s cut through all the bullshit and see what the hype is all about. As is the case with most of Signal Rex’s releases, the music is ritualistic, atmospheric, and emotionally intense, with a mixture of mystical chants, aggressive riffs, and ambient interludes.
Epic and monumental riffing, theatrical vocals, and choirs—underlined by ethereal synths—are woven together into a tapestry of cosmic proportions. The sound is opulent and majestic, encompassing shards of Blut Aus Nord, Emperor, Limbonic Art, Nightbringer, Bathory, and many similar bands from the high North.
The atmosphere on this album is nothing short of grand; the hypnotic mysticism is top-notch, and the execution of the music is impeccable. There are albums that are nothing less than art for the elite—Abyssal Vacuum are one of these. The vocals strike with raw, visceral force—guttural and commanding, they resonate deep within the listener, reverberating across a larger palette of audial enchantment. The choral passages and shouted refrains carry a dark, shamanic energy, conjuring images of clandestine rituals in shadowy caverns. There’s a genuine sense of secrecy and subterranean menace woven throughout the record, as if the music itself were echoing from hidden chambers where arcane rites unfold. The tremolo-picked guitars seem to bounce off immense, unseen walls, creating a sonic illusion of towering cliffs and vast, echoing voids. It’s an album that commands and absorbs your attention from the moment playback begins.
Melodic yet ambient guitar leads thread through the dense riffing like veins of light piercing a thick fog. These moments of brightness don’t dilute the album’s oppressive atmosphere—they punctuate it, offering contrast and depth. The percussion is particularly noteworthy: tight, deliberate, and consistently present in the mix, it anchors the compositions with clarity and purpose.
Abyssal Vacuum approach atmosphere not as the foundation, but as a carefully applied layer—enhancing rather than overwhelming the music. Their focus lies in structure and composition, with arrangements that feel deliberate and refined. This isn’t a chaotic wall of sound; it’s a meticulously crafted experience that rewards close listening. The interplay between the album’s rich textures and its darker tonal palette is handled with finesse, showcasing the band’s maturity and technical skill.
Whether across full-length releases or shorter EPs, Abyssal Vacuum demonstrate a strong grasp of their craft. One hopes this release marks a turning point in their artistic confidence—because the potential here is undeniable. The hype was true after all, and Abyssal Vacuum can proudly take their seat at the table in the great hall of the other demigods. Play this album a zillion times and you’ll know I was right. And a memo to the people @ Signal Rex—keep ’em coming like this!
