HEAVENWOOD – Abyss Masterpiece
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 04-08-2011
This gothic metal band from Portugal function with three main members and two session players on bass and drums. “Abyss Masterpiece” is their fourth album, a 12 song record with clean/death vocals, a foreboding sense of darkness and much in common with Moonspell or early The Gathering. You’ll hear some symphonic blends in the keyboards providing contrast to the surging guitars and tribal-like drums during “September Blood” as well as a nod to “…And Justice For All” Metallica in some of the mid-tempo riffs through other standout “Winter Slave”.
A little excessive in terms of a 60 minute album that would work better in the 45 minute range, “Abyss Masterpiece” has familiarity that will please some and put off others – because there’s nothing super distinctive in comparison to veteran gothic metal bands.