Like an enticing drink–or wicked poison–Depths, the sophomore album from black metal quartet ABHORIA, is currently fermenting… waiting for the right moment to be unleashed on the world. Conceived and created shortly after the release of their 2022 self-titled debut, Depths sees the band dig deeper into the dystopian themes explored on the previous album.

While the groundwork for the lyrical content on the sophomore album was laid in the dystopian-inspired songs of its predecessor, founder Trevor Portz’s vision is more fully realized on Depths. Whilst not quite a concept album, there is a thread that runs between each track; each unveils a different extreme scenario or revelatory terror for the surviving inhabitants in a hellish world. The nightmarish anthology details different Orwellian scenarios where the human condition is laid bare with all its ugly possibilities offered up for examination. How do they react when confronted with nearly inconceivable adverse events? How do extreme conditions shape their view of the world and of themselves?

The band was inspired by many real life locations and situations, allowing their imaginations to embellish further fictional details to bring their bleak visions to life. The ominous, fantastical realm where Abhoria’s storytelling exists is brought to life further still by the magnificent cover art by iconic artist, Dan Seagrave.

Standout track, The Well, tells the tale of a group of refugees escaping a compromised city in the aftermath of a war. Exhausted, dehydrated and losing hope, they come across a natural water source. Relieved, their thirst is slaked… but the relief is temporary, as they soon discover the water is tainted. Only one among their number doesn’t drink from the poisoned “well,” thus forced to watch helplessly as their friends perish agonizingly. The story was inspired by Montezuma Well in Arizona, where there is a high level of arsenic in the water, rendering it a tantalizingly dangerous prospect for many generations of people.

A reinvigorated line up, replete with new vocalist Ben Pitts (In the Company of Serpents), has instilled a newfound confidence in the core members of ABHORIA. The result is an album rooted in the aggressive black metal core of its predecessor, but with new flourishes that push the boundaries of the band. Whilst recording took place in various locations, the resulting nine tracks are a cohesive, dynamic collection masterfully mixed by Zack Ohren. A fine balance of melody and intensity makes the album a compelling listen; for fans who were taken with the desolate black metal of their debut, there’s even more to embrace on Depths.

Depths by ABHORIA will be released by Prosthetic Records on January 19, 2024

Abhoria is:

Trevor Portz – Guitar

Ben Pitts – Vocals

Igor Panasewicz – Bass

JS – Drums

Theo Romeo – Guitar