Search - Absence :: Riders of the Plague

Astonishing and will leave you breathless

L. Bazan | Brownsville, Tx USA | 08/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the greatest metal cd's to be released in a few years by a new band. American metal in the past few years has been kind of weak but, not this album. It is about as addicting as In Flames with the ferocity of an old school 80's thrash band with the brains to match. These guys are awesome at what they do. Just take a listen to the title track and you will know exactly what I am talking about. The double bass hits with such intense precise hits and the guitars are angelic at times and strikingly brutal which adds such contrast to the songs structure. I also enjoyed "Dead and Gone" as well as it reminded me of Carcass or At the gates. Very old death metal sound going on here as well. The likes of which have not been heard since the great DEATH!!!A definite highlight on this cd as well is "Merciless".That song has great guitar licks and sweet drums. Right now I am enjoying "World Divides" also as it rings a familiar bell almost like God Forbid but yet so unique in it's own way.The double bass just doesn't stop at all during this song.Great tune.Oh and did I forget to mention the sweet TESTAMENT cover of "Into the Pit". Only a sheer genius could match up to Alex Scholnick guitar leads and this guy did just that while adding all his own style to one of my favorite metal songs of all time.This album is a keeper through and through. It will not let up until you orgasm out of the ears. Five stars. Well done guys"

Truly Sick...

J. Brooks | San Jose, CA | 06/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well said by L. Bazan:



"This is one of the greatest metal cd's to be released in a few years by a new band. American metal in the past few years has been kind of weak but, not this album."



The Absence is a VERY talented Melodic Death Metal band up there with Darkane, Arch Enemy, etc. What a find. I really love these guy's. Not only are they talented, but they write very tasteful, powerful songs/riffs, etc. The drummer rips; his work with the cymbals is excellent.



The CD is pretty much stellar from beginning to end. IMO, "Riders of the Plague", "The Murder" and "Awakening" (and "From Your Grave", off their first CD) are some of the best metal songs ever written. The Absence is my new "favorite" band and what a GREAT addition to the genre. I wish these guy's much success and us; much more music from The Absence.



HORNS UP! \m/"

Hot Swedish metal American-style

Skip Savage | West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada | 08/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't expect to hear such great playing from this Florida outfit. At first I noticed inspiration from Swedish metal pioneers like The Haunted and Arch Enemy. But now I hear their unique take on the genre and the tremendous ability they bring to it. Stirring drum work, great arranging, tight guitar harmonies, rarely a note out of place. Meticulous-sounding yet natural and honest.



The Absence is a band to respect, to love and to recommend without hesitation."