Released by the No Colours label, “Suicidal Emotions” does justice to the name of its mothership (oh, is black a colour?). This debut release by Shane Rout�s “Abyssic Hate” black metal project is as dark and grim of an album as you will find. The 4-track, 50 minute record demonstrates the pure, raw, screechy BM style that was apparent in Darkthrone�s earlier sound (and, I suppose, their “current” one too). The purposefully poor production quality adds to the intense and rather depressive atmosphere generated by Rout�s flesh-tearing vocals. Along with his vocals, the guitars form the main focus of the sound. They are heavily distorted and create a vibrant effect, which alienate the drumming as the main drive in the composition. “Suicidal Emotions” requires more than a quick listen, which makes it wholly unsuitable as background music (although something tells me, that�s not exactly what the creator had in mind when going into studio…). Instead: light up some candles, turn off all other electrical sources of light, turn up “Depression: Part I” and listen through the entire composition. It really is very well thought out.

With track names such as “Depression”, “Betrayed” and “Despondency”, we can already predict that the lyrics will reflect this overall theme in accordance with their well-laid out sound. They’re more angsty than the girl-next-door, but also very grim and necro. I can only recommend a glance at them.

Abyssic Hate has put together what must be said to be a sound and solid album. Any fan of truly dark, bone-chilling black metal will appreciate this album as much as I did. With patience comes a reward, but rarely one as severely grim and deppresingly atmospheric as “Suicidal Emotions”.

Year Released: 2000
Label: No Colours Records
Related Link: Abyssic Hate Official Site
Date Reviewed: 2004-01-19
Author: C. Michael