KING ABYSS hailing from Staffordshire, England were formed in 2016. They play a mixture of Crossover and Thrash Metal and after two EPs, they now release their debut full-length album. "Snake Oil" has a length of more than 45 minutes, and it is an independent release. It has taken quite a long time for KING ABYSS to release their first album, but better late than never. The album starts strong with "Weapons Of Mass Delusion", a song of pure traditional Thrash Metal: the tight and flesh-ripping guitar riffing, the aggression, the crushing bass, and the pace. The opener is a fast song with a mid-tempo break for the extended lead guitar solo, which is the highlight of the track. The vocals are harsh between the medium and higher end of the vocal range. The title song continues with the Thrash attack and it is driven by the sharp, and partially staccato-type of riffing. "Snake Oil" is an aggressive song, with the vocals being higher pitched and they introduce a few crossover vibes. The guitar riffing and the lead guitars are again the highlight of the title track. "Loathe" remains at mid-tempo with a head-banging rhythm. The melodies have a few oriental inspirations. The vocals have deep growling background support during the chorus part, which provides a grim atmosphere. The lead guitar solo is pretty playful and includes a few classical vibes. "Loathe" is a song for the pit and I would not be surprised if the track becomes a firm fan favorite.

"Disdain" is a slow song introduced by an extended instrumental part of the guitars, where the drums and the vocals join in later. The vocals are clean during the quiet verse parts, while they are growls during the chorus part. The chorus parts have a few melodic Metalcore features. "Disdain" is a ballad from the beginning to the very powerful break. During the break, the melancholic melodic framework is maintained, which leads into a very strong lead guitar solo. Unfortunately, the song fades out with the lead guitar solo, and I felt, a different end to the track would have been desirable. "Disdain" transitions into "Interlude" and the song is what the title promises, a 90 seconds guitar interlude with neoclassical melodies. "Fear The Dead" is a kind of wake-up call as it is one of the faster tracks on the album with classical Thrash Metal riffing, aggression, and grim melodies. The vocals are versatile as they include a few deep growls. "Fear The Dead" is a head-banger with thunderous riffing and crunching bass lines, especially during the break. The lead guitar solo is again highlight of the track. The song finishes with a huge breakdown and the deep-lying growls. "Fear The Dead" is one of the best songs on the album.

"A Short Stop And A Sudden Drop" starts at frantic pace with plenty of anger and Hardcore vibes. It is not the classical Thrash Metal song, as the higher pitched vocals and its tonality introduce the Crossover elements, even if it is combined with Thrash Metal riffs and lead guitar parts. "Eyes Always Watching" starts with an extended guitar riffing and the riffing indicates that the track is a mixture of Thrash Metal and Deathcore. The riffing is thunderous, the basslines are hammering and the melodies are blood-freezing including those of the lead guitar solo. It is no surprise that "Eyes Always Watching" ends with another breakdown. The mid-tempo track is one of the album highlights. "Eyes Always Watching" is the official video release, and the YouTube link is given below. The album finishes with "Nibiru" and the track starts with an extended solo guitar part, before all the instruments join in. It is a powerful instrumental at mid-tempo for most of the time, with melancholy and darkness in the melodies driven by the guitars, and the more than nine-minute track reminded me at times on METALLICA's "The Call Of Ktulu". The finale of "Nibiru" is left for the bass and the lead guitars. "Nibiru" is a great way to end the album.

KING ABYSS deliver a very good debut album. "Snake Oil" is Thrash Metal at highest quality mixed with Deathcore elements and a few Crossover vibes. The album has pace, aggression, and comprehensive technicality. The guitar riffing and the lead guitars are driving the album and are the highlight of "Snake Oil". The songs on the album offer a lot of variety, which is evidence for good songwriting. The album is well produced. It may have taken a while for KING ABYSS to release their debut album, but it was worth the wait for Thrash Metal fans who will love the album and look forward to exciting live shows of KING ABYSS.