Today I’m reviewing the latest album Antikosmos by the band Abadir.
This band hails from Italy, and I’ve always found Italian black metal to have a unique edge and a gripping sound. Honestly, after hearing this album, I can confidently say it’s one of the strongest Italian black metal releases I’ve heard in quite some time.
While I won’t be going over every track on the album, I’ll highlight a few key moments and standout tracks.
Track 1:
What a perfect introduction. Right away, it shows you this is black metal for the true fan—raw, unpolished, and authentic. No gimmicks—just a few guys making killer music with nothing fake about it.
I’m a big fan of the main riffs on this track; they bounce back and forth in a way that leaves space for blast beats and great vocal work to shine. It’s a classic black metal track but with that distinctive edge I mentioned earlier.
The guitar tone feels gritty and alive, and there’s a cold atmosphere here that really pulls you in. The vocals sit perfectly in the mix—harsh, distant, but still commanding. It's a strong opening statement that sets the mood for the rest of the album and tells you exactly what you're in for.
Track 2:
This one starts off heavier right out of the gate, largely due to the downtuned guitars that lend a darker, more aggressive tone. I really liked how the guitarist uses precise downpicking in the opening section—it gives the intro a tight, punchy feel that immediately commands attention and sets the tone for what’s to come. As the track progresses into the verse and chorus, it really hits full stride. The drummer steps up with some inventive rhythms that have a clear punk influence, injecting the track with a raw, energetic pulse that contrasts nicely with the heavier elements. It’s especially satisfying when those punk-inspired beats lock together with the razor-sharp tremolo-picked guitar lines layered above—they complement each other without stepping on one another’s toes. There’s a great sense of momentum throughout, and the interplay between instruments keeps things dynamic and engaging. A strong second track that builds well on the opener while carving out its own identity. Well done!
Track 6: “Karonte”
This was one of my personal favorites. I’m a huge fan of the guitar tone here and the overall atmosphere. I think this is where the band truly shines.
At around the 2:25 mark, the chaos fades into a beautifully ambient section. As a big fan of atmospheric black metal, I love when bands break things up with moments of melancholy or calm—it gives the listener a chance to breathe and shows another side of the band. That contrast between chaos and beauty is really special. This particular passage, led by acoustic guitar, is just magic.
Track 9: “Nyx”
This is my top track on the album. From the start, I was hooked by the simple, alternate-picked riff—soothing, melancholic, and alluring all at once. The subtle snare hits that bring the track into full swing were a great touch.
The tempo is slow and methodical, and that approach is absolutely nailed. I really enjoyed how the high-pitched guitar work dances along to the 4/4 beats, accented with tasteful cymbal work. I sincerely hope the duo explores more of this sound in future releases. This track is top-tier, and they’ve absolutely nailed it.
Track 10: “Nekya”
Though it’s the shortest track on the album, I genuinely enjoyed it. There’s a lot packed into its brief runtime, and the melodies are incredibly catchy. The main melody stuck in my head long after the album ended, which says a lot. Placing this track at the end was a great choice—just like the opener, it leaves a strong impression.
Check the video here
Overall:
I’d confidently give Antikosmos a solid 8.5/10. This amazing duo has delivered an album that’s both chaotic and soothing. Their use of tempo changes, catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and tight drum work really stands out. The ambient passages are full of emotion and paint vivid mental images while listening.
With just a bit more refinement, I believe this duo can push their sound even further. A band I’ll absolutely be following from now on—with excitement for what’s next, and most importantly, full support.
—BlackenedSoundscape
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
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