Absu

Absu originated in Dallas, Texas, when Shaftiel, responsible for vocals, guitar, and bass, joined forces with Equitant Ifernain on lead guitar and bass to establish the black/death metal outfit initially under the name Dolmen in 1989. The group adopted its current title, drawn from ancient Mesopotamian beliefs, by 1991, after laying down the demos Immortal Sorcery and Return of the Ancients and attracting attention from independent Gothic Records as a self-described mythological occult metal act. Proscriptor, also known as Russ R. Givens, entered on drums and vocals following the 1992 release of The Temples of Offal E.P., whereupon his academic lyrics and songwriting assumed primary control starting with the full-length debut Barathrum in 1993. A subsequent deal with France’s Osmose Productions yielded Sun of Tiphareth in 1995, the E.P. ...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh the same year, The Third Storm of Cythraul in 1997, and the E.P. In the Eyes of Ioldánach in 1998. These recordings featured progressively detailed examinations of obscure mysticism including Sumerian and Gaelic traditions, while shared bills with Impaled Nazarene and Enslaved helped secure Absu a position of considerable regard inside black metal circles. The long-awaited Tara arrived in 2001, concentrating on Celtic legend and receiving even wider recognition, though it proved to be Equitant’s final album with the band.