Mittags-Abgrund - Self-Titled

The instrumental opener 'Пролог (Prologue)' feels less like a standalone composition and more like an invitation into the world of Mittags-Abgrund. Calm yet meaningful acoustic guitar lines establish a beautifully melancholic foundation, slowly preparing us for what lies ahead. Towards the end, distorted guitars begin to creep into the picture alongside melodic drumming, gradually disturbing the earlier tranquillity. Just as the atmosphere begins to grow heavier, however, the prologue comes to an end, leaving the door open for the journey to truly begin.

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With 'Портреты моих предков (Portraits of My Ancestors)', Mittags-Abgrund truly begins to show its teeth. A dark atmosphere is established almost immediately through blistering blast beats, while the guitars are given plenty of room to unfold, moving naturally between black metal bleakness and distinctly heavier death metal riffing. The vocals sound raspy and sinister, occasionally shifting towards a cleaner delivery with an almost melodic undertone that adds another layer to the composition. Around the midpoint, things become noticeably more unhinged, yet the resulting chaos never feels accidental. Every instrument seems carefully positioned within the storm, turning what could easily become overwhelming into something surprisingly controlled and cohesive.

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'Паруса крыльев простёрты… (The Sails of the Wings are Spread…)' initially feels strangely unfinished, although that roughness may very well be intentional. Deep growls soon emerge alongside dirty, sinister black metal vocals, adding another shade to the album's increasingly varied vocal palette. By this point, it also becomes clear that Mittags-Abgrund needs some time to fully land. Give it that time, however, and a surprisingly diverse record begins to unfold. This track is a good example: the vocals certainly leave their mark, but once again it is the guitar and drum work that truly commands attention, with both instruments given plenty of space to shape the composition.

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'Aurora Consurgens' flows forward with considerable weight, as black metal atmosphere and muscular death metal riffing move around a subtle melodic line lurking beneath the surface. There are moments here that bring BEHEMOTH to mind, particularly in the combination of dark grandeur and forceful instrumentation, although MITTAGS-ABGRUND retain their own character. The vocals take on a slightly more narrative quality without losing their primal grip, while the instrumental work once again deserves plenty of attention. Intense and imposing for much of its runtime, the track eventually settles into a surprisingly effective groove during the bridge, adding another dimension without breaking the atmosphere. 

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'Ignis Subterraneus' brings us into the final stretch of the album and once again highlights the connection between black and death metal at the heart of MITTAGS-ABGRUND’s sound. At first, some of these compositions might seem as though they could drift apart, yet a strong rhythmic backbone keeps everything connected while leaving each track enough individuality to stand on its own. Something else becomes increasingly noticeable here: the vocals seem to grow darker and more sinister as the record progresses. Rapid drumming matches that development perfectly, pushing the track forward with an intensity that feels entirely at home within the album’s increasingly ominous atmosphere.

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The journey finally comes to rest with 'Эпилог Предельная Туле/Epilogue Ultima Thule', an instrumental closer that provides a beautiful counterpoint to the aggression that came before. There is something almost nerve-calming about its atmosphere, like listening to rain gently hitting the roof of a tent. Before long, it feels as though you are simply floating down a river, free of any particularly dark thoughts, finally, some peace and quiet. Beautifully played drums and melodic guitar lines particularly stand out here, carrying the composition forward without disturbing its tranquillity. After everything Mittags-Abgrund has thrown at us, this feels less like a dramatic finale and more like finally being allowed to exhale.

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Mittags-Abgrund is a debut that takes time to fully reveal itself, but rewards those willing to follow it into the abyss. Black metal atmosphere and death metal weight flow naturally together, while excellent guitar work and impressive drumming remain constant highlights. Despite its diversity, the album feels remarkably cohesive, gradually growing darker before the peaceful epilogue finally allows us to breathe again. An ambitious and immersive first statement that leaves plenty to return to.

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SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY