Brighton, England's black deathcore group, A NIGHT IN THE ABYSS, has released a new album that's sure to set their fan's ears ablaze. The twenty-four-minute, four-track EP is something of a "theatrical concept" they've been working on for quite a while. Nearly five years after releasing their debut album "Necropolis," this new offering is as intriguing as masterfully woeful. Established in 2013, A NIGHT IN THE ABYSS crafts what they refer to as "macabre melodies from miserable England," which describes their third release, "Begotten," perfectly. Mixed and mastered at Jigsaw Audio, a Derby-based recording studio, "Begotten" intricately fuses a spooky blend of symphonic black deathcore together with a multitude of diverse influences.

Incorporating ferocious black metal vocals, technically advanced death-metal riffs with complex orchestration, and haunting piano work, the album produces an alluring, seductive atmosphere. Yet, all the while somehow managing to retain the hallmark brutality of their earlier sound. Songwriter and pianist Joel Rawlins joined the band in late 2018 and has added many of the new orchestral elements to the album. Along with keyboardist Jack Higgins, the additional orchestral arrangements have only proven to widen their sound, adding a distinctive symphonic depth.

"One For Sorrow's" haunting strings, enigmatic bells, and well-toned brass create an agonizing, moody ambiance. The ethereal soundscapes are abruptly interrupted by the signature pounding of death-metal drums. The impact is welcome, and the intensity ferocious. Wicked cinematic orchestration gives a divine quality to "One For Sorrow." This synth-laden black metal masterpiece is laced with elegance and vocal savagery. The opening track illustrates fastidious attention to detail to the bands' songwriting abilities and an uncanny ability to create fusion.

"Son Of Self Affliction" is a low and heavy bass chugging groove-fest. The intense rhythm and striking orchestral elements bring the track to another level. Ferocious back and forth vocals and well-placed swarthy grooves are available in every nook and cranny of the song. Plenty of change-ups and multiple drops make this one exciting roller-coaster experience of a track. Thick, brutal, and wickedly heavy, this is a favorite track for this reviewer.

"Suspended by a Thread" is arguably the most intense tracks on the EP. An eerie and elegant intro builds into an all-out drum assault with jaw-dropping drops and fabulously effected vocals that stay gritty without ever becoming annoying or overly done. This song is an epic adventure that leaves the listener feeling as if they've survived something. The change-up and groove at about the four-minute mark are nothing less than incredible. This tune's hidden nuances are many, and it's one of the best examples of symphonic black deathcore as of late.

The closing track, "Begotten," is the first single from the EP, and it's of little wonder why this was the lead release. The lead guitar's introduction is a technical wonder. It brings with it a cross-current of well-produced, well-written metal with enough character for everyone. In what is now a genre that A NIGHT IN THE ABYSS will undoubtedly climb to the top of, they have put out an excellent album that must be experienced to fully appreciate.