The Metal scene in Peru does, of course, not only consist of MORTEM, the probably best known band of the country. There seems to be a lot more to discover. Bands like EL ABISMO, for example, who are from the Peruvian capital Lima. Formed in 2016, it took the three piece three years to compose enough music for a full length. “El Árbol Negro” is the first recording from the band and it shows experienced musicians that are around since the 1990s and joined forces now to do their own thing. From multiple influences, EL ABISMO created a sound that can be located somewhere between classic Metal, Doom Metal and Sludge Metal. To round this mix up, EL ABISMO added some psychedelic guitar parts, especially in the instrumental interlude ‘Asmodeo’, and some well placed cellos to underline the atmosphere. The diversity of the music goes along with the varied vocal delivery of Daniel Roncagliolo, who ranges from slight growling to melodic, phonetic sounding vocals that reminded me of Paul Chain (ex – DEATH SS) sometimes. Asides from the already mentioned interlude, the other five tracks are very long tunes that take their appeal from the twists and turns within the compositions and the range of atmospheres. These are best shown in ‘Los Abismos’ that depicts the whole bandwidth of EL ABISMO and the final, very dark ‘Lilith’ that is keeps the balance between calm parts and dark abysses close to Death Metal. The latter maybe is the most daring track on “El Árbol Negro”. And taking into concern that this a debut, I still am quite astonished of the album and its originality. So I look forward for more fine stuff to come from EL ABISMO. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/elabismoband or www.facebook.com/thrashirts