Abyssius - Vermin

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 20 Mar 2026

Tracklist:

1. To Slay a Rat King

2. Death Drive

3. Patricide

4. Hesitation

5. Corpse Star

6. Black Dogs

7. L'appel du Vide

To quiet fanfare in late March, International technical death metal quartet Abyssius released their 2nd full-length Vermin. With members spanning Norway, Taiwan and the United States, Abyssius have been honing their sound since 2023. Shortly after, they released their debut self-titled album in January 2024. Perusing the band recommendations at the bottom of their bandcamp page, I see Xoth, Drouth and Mors Verum amongst others. That isn't bad company be in. Aside from the already promised death metal and technicality, maybe we'll get some proggy tones and blackened madness to boot.

I really want to get my old iPod classic refurbished. I’ve got so much music sitting, waiting to go on it it’s unreal. This album from Abyssius would definitely be on it, as straight from the word go it sounds so full and melodic. Opening song ‘To Slay a Rat King’ is pretty damn fast tempo-wise, with the drums dictating things. The guitar work is excellent but slightly drowned out by the percussion and indeed the vocals, which are delivered with a lot of intensity.

There are subtle atmospherics and clean vocals sitting amongst the instrumentation, plus a great guitar solo later on too. It’s more modern and polished than I was expecting, which is no bad thing at all. ‘Death Drive’ features more of the melody and atmosphere I was talking about above, though both elements are short-lived as Abyssius kick back into full gear again. There’s a real Scandinavian edge to it at times, kinda like Norther and Soilwork. That’s no surprise given the Norwegian contingent amongst their ranks.

‘Patricide’ sees Abyssius reaching their most technical, especially in guitar terms. Honestly, I think they’re at their best when their music flows, as it does in passages here. The more aggressive it becomes, the more disjoined it sounds at times. That’s only my opinion though, which I know you’ll take with a pinch of salt. Given that my neighbour upstairs is bashing on their floor again; it must mean that either I’m typing too loud or the music isn’t to their taste. Oh well, sucks to be them. ‘Hesitation’ is delivered without any such worry as Abyssius up the ante once again, giving a modern melodic death metal masterclass in the process. That solo especially rules supreme!

Talking of masterclasses, ‘Corpse Star’ has a ridiculous percussive tempo from the off. As has been the case throughout Vermin though, the guitars remain buried deeper in the mix while the vocals are provided lots of space. At times, they remind of Lorna Shore. Abyssius seem to be leaving the best till last musically, as penultimate song ‘Black Dogs’ has the best opening bars of the album so far. If they continued down the nasty down-tempo path, there’d be a totally different vibe to it. That said, they know how to wrestle back control with some ultra-sick solo work and guttural madness. 

Closing out with ‘L’appel du Vide’, Abyssius provide one final blast of their technical yet brutal death metal. Their atmospheric touches are prominent once again, adding dramatic elements to the music. The clean vocals used later on are more obvious than earlier in the record, while the guitar work sits on top, exhibiting their musical prowess one last time. This is another example of not judging a book by its cover. I was waiting for progressive, otherworldly death metal but instead I was broadsided by a more melodic approach to the genre. I have nothing bad to say about this album though as Abyssius have given a genuine account of themsevles and the music they want to play. That’s all that really matters. I know a lot of people will really dig this!

You can stream Vermin and purchase it digitally, as well on limited cd from Abyssius below:-

Abyssius - https://www.facebook.com/abyssiusofficial