Short Review: Abscess – Horrorhammer
My short review of Abscess’ Horrorhammer, originally written for Heavy Music Headquarters:
Formed as an Autopsy’s side project back in 1994, Abscess became Danny Coralles and Chris Reifert’s main project after the demise of Autopsy in 1995. Abscess took a bit different direction than what they did in Autopsy. Coralles and Reifert along with Joe Allen and Clint Bower released numerous albums, splits, compilations and EPs from 1994 until they put Abscess to rest in 2010.
Horrorhammer, which is now re-released on vinyl for the first time since 2007, is Abscess’ fifth studio album. It shows the band’s thirst to keep old school death metal alive when a song like “When Witches Burn” comes around, but most of Horrorhammer is more upbeat, punky tunes like “Another Private Hell” and “Exterminate.” This bridge between death metal and punk isn’t something new, but Abscess tried to make a memorable connection and they succeeded in making a strong one in their music with unpolished production and strong performances.
Rating: 3.5/5
