Abjection - Malignant Deviation

ABJECTION - Malignant Deviation (GODZ OV WAR Productions - CD 2021)

“Malignant Deviation” is a debut release from Canadian death metallers Abjection, who were lucky to get signed by Godz ov War. And would I surprise anyone if I say that it's another newcomer from this label, whose music I like a lot? Let's make things clear then right away - this is a great piece of murky death metal here. Quite unique as well, because Abjection is not one of those more typical sounding bands, where you could quickly spot similarities to band X or band Y or whatever. In that aspect “Malignant Deviation” is more challenging, more surprising album, despite their strong bond to the traditional death metal values. 

But with such production, rapid riffage, some malicious leads, ghoulish vocals and general obscure atmosphere, Abjection really is a treat. I can throw some similarities to bands like Morbid Angel, Incantation or Sadistic Intent here and there, but they won't really answer your question how do Abjection really sound. I think you should rather listen to them yourself. But damn, I like the riffs, how vicious and savage the music is, with a good balance between fast, aggressive stuff and more atmospheric, slower pieces. And how it sometimes can get dangerously close to black metal even. I like the songwriting, all dynamics and that raw, but cavernous and suffocating sound with a nice, pounding bass. It's all just been a nice, good listen. 

With five proper songs, Abjection definitely did impress me and I can say that they are not a band you could skip and forget about. Sure, “Malignant Deviation” is not perfect, there's still some work to be done. But for a debut EP, it is absolutely great. 

Standout track: "A Darkness Unutterable" 

Verdict: 75/100