ABSU

Self styled as "mytholgical occult metal," ABSU titled their name after the ancient Sumerian word for "abyss," revel in a vocalist/drummer Proscriptor McGovern (Emperor Proscriptor Magikus a.k.a. Russ R. Givens) who claims direct lineage to Scottish clans and frequently wears a kilt to bolster his assertions. The band, although placed firmly in the Black Metal marketplace, have attempted to place themselves as an "Occult Metal" band rather than Black Metal.
Lyrically, ABSU deal in themes of esoterica blending Sumerian and Mesopotamian folklore and mythology together with ceremonial magic(k), Qabbalah, Gnosticism and Celtic mythology. Other dominant themes include ancestral attributions deriving from Scottish, Irish and Germanic histories.
The unit began life as the 1989 band DOLMEN founded by Shaftiel and Equitant Ifernian. In 1990, the band changed the name to AZATHOTH and by 1991, this act had evolved into ABSU releasing the single "Immortal Sorcery" and debut demo session titled "Return To The Ancients."
The 7" EP "The Temples of Offal" was recorded in late 1991. However, early members guitarist Gary Lindholm and drummer Daniel Benbow opted out. Fresh blood was found from the disintegration of the band MAGUS and Proscriptor McGovern and Daviel Athron Mystica duly joined the fold in time for the debut album "Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.," the subtitle being Latin for "visiting the interior parts of the earth by rectification, thou shalt find the hidden stone". Keyboardist Black Massith was briefly added, but shortly after Mystica left the fold, Equitant would cover both bass and guitar duties.
ABSU pulled in erstwhile GOREAPHOBIA vocalist/bassist Mezzadurus for touring purposes.
Mezzadurus, convened in his own act titled BLOODSTORM releasing, among others, the 1997 album "The Atlantean Wardragon" in 1997. Equitant operates an electronic solo project EQUITANT issuing the 1994 demo "The Great Lands Of Minas Ithul (City Of Isildur)." Proscriptor was also a member of the Mesopotamian black/thrash act MELECHESH.
Procriptor has also performed live as drummer for JUDAS ISCARIOT, BLOODSTORM and ROLLER and even finds time to engage his talents as a member of Medieval act MOONROOT alongside Mark & Mike Riddick of THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK. The membership of ABSU are also engaged in the act EQUIMANTHORN having released four albums to date.
In mid 2001, the band would enroll Kashshapxu on guitar for a few select performances, which would only last for a year. Proscriptor's name would also be linked to premier Thrashers SLAYER, with word arriving that McGovern had auditioned for the band and was at one time ranked one of the favourites to secure the position.
The band announced the departure of co-founder/guitarist/bassist/songwriter Equitant Ifernain in June 2002. The run of setbacks culminated in August when Proscriptor McGovern was forced out of action. An injury to the wrist completely shattered the scaphoid bone necessitating reconstructive surgery to mend it back together, which resulted him to lay off the drum kit for many months.
Pre-ABSU archive DOLMEN tracks would be issued as 'On The Eve Of war' on a highly sought after restricted run of 666 vinyl albums in 2003 through the Iron Pegasus label. During 2004 ABSU would donate their rendition of 'Swing of the Axe' to the 'Seven Gates Of Horror' tribute album assembled by the Dutch Karmaggedon Media label in homage to pioneering Bay Area Thrash act POSSESSED.
Proscriptor launched a new label venture in June entitled Tarot Productions. The first product would be a solo undertaking PROSCRIPTOR'S "Thoth Music(k)" for a limited edition EP. Planned future releases would include archive ABSU material as well as rare recordings from related artists DIVINE EVE, EQUITANT, GOREAPHOBIA, MELECHESH, MORBID SCREAM and STARCHASER NETWORK.
In the Spring of 2007, Proscriptor McGovern will announce the new line-up of ABSU and a potential release date for the upcoming new album for Osmose Productions: "Absu."
Credit: RockDetector
Official Page. Maintained by: Sir Proscriptor McGovern