The Norwegian black metal icon is back. After the Immortal frontman and guitarist departed the band in 2015, Abbath released a debut self-titled solo album in 2016. The album was well received by fans and critics, it ended in my top 20 of that year. For the sophomore effort Outstrider, Abbath recruited a new line up (Ole Andre Farstad – guitars, Ukri Suviletho – Drums, Mia Wallace – Bass), to fulfill the mission of a new album.
Oustrider brings eight original songs and concludes with a Bathory cover. No intros, transitions or instrumentals, just straightforward black metal. The short and direct songs bring the total length to just under 40 minutes. The album delivers an avalanche of fast-paced black metal anthems from start to finish. The new album follows the groundwork set on the debut. Why change a winning formula, right? This means: Crushing riffs, speed with catchy melodies and the unmistakable Abbath's black metal voice. The production is modern and clean and follows the current trend of dynamic range of 6. But given that all other members are new, it does sound different from the debut. Specially the lead guitar with more melodies and solos.
Oustrider opens really nicely with a wind sound sample followed by acoustic guitars and an overall buildup that culminates with the groovy verse of "Calm in Ire (Of Hurricane)". Another highlight is the video single "Harvest Pyre", very catchy and fast-paced featuring some of the coolest drum fills in the album (check the section starting at 2:30). "Scythewinder" has also some mighty drumming. The title track offers a breathing moment with the acoustic intro, but soon enters a fist pumping galloping rhythm.
If you appreciate Immortal circa mid 90's and the Abbath debut, you will dig this. Oustrider doesn't bring many changes and based on the debut you know what you are getting. Therefore the lack of variability can make it difficult to distinguish the tracks in the middle portion of the album. With that said, it's a fun, well-written and catchy black metal ride as you would expect from Abbath. It certainly adds a few songs to an already rich catalog to choose from for the next tour.
SCORE: 79/100
DR: 6
Genre: Black Metal
Released by Season of Mist on July 5th, 2019
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