This is my first introduction to AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION, a progressive Death Metal band from Sweden. “Woe” is their second album and their first on Willowtip. First and foremost, let’s get it out of the way that AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION plays modern Death Metal. The opener ‘The Behemoth That Lies Asleep’ immediately gave me CYNIC vibes and I stuck on to check out the rest of the album. Needless to say AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION checks off all boxes for a decent 2022 Death Metal album. Brilliant vocals, pitch-perfect drumming, varied guitarwork that keeps it interesting and really well produced. What stood out for me personally was how well the keyboards had been married to the brutality of the sound. Track # 2 ‘Slaves’ is a brilliant example where the band throws it all inside the cauldron to rot. Standard riffs done really well coupled with a beautiful, haunting melodic touch throughout that doesn’t compromise the integrity of the decay. I have to call out the leads on this entire album, the notes meander through the labyrinth without losing focus whilst the rhythm section builds up the atmosphere delicately never losing momentum. The transitions from one stream into another is also something that the band does beautifully, it is almost poetry like in some cases. The transition into track # 3 ‘Tear Down This Holy Mountain’ is a perfect example. Giving the listener a respite in between to catch their breath, the band builds up a canvas of spiritualistic calmness before breaking into infinity. There are also bluesy solos, spacey transitionary passages that work like a charm with the heaviness. I really enjoy these parts in Metal which give the listener a moment or two to think and grasp the message. Honestly, this album was not on my radar and now I can’t remember how I stumbled across this slab. I suppose it was the album artwork that caught my attention immediately and I just went all in. Fans of Progressive / Progressive / modern Death Metal must definitely consider this alongside their regular guilty pleasures. AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION has certainly put together a well written and well executed album and I certainly hope they tour North America at the earliest. I’d love to see this live. A beautiful slab! For more information, please visit https://anabstractillusion.bandcamp.com and www.facebook.com/willowtip