There are multiple versions of bands that are called ABYSS. When I look up that name on ENYCLOPAEDIA METALLUM I get a list of no less than 26 names. So, you do understand that you need to find the right one. This one is Dutch, and hailed from the area of Rotterdam. The existed from 1983 until 1986 and from 1989 until 1995. During those times they produced 4 demos, 1 studio album (“Flashback”), 1 live album and a compilation album. Now, in 2023, METAL WARRIOR RECORDS thought I was time to do another compilation, with all four demos and two live shows. The result is called “Flashbacks”, and I am currently listening to the result. And to be quite frank, I am more than pleased with the outcome of the whole package. The information in the booklet is quite extensive and shows that full history of the band. The music has been cleaned up very nicely, making me thoroughly enjoy listening to “Flashbacks”.

ABYSS plays Ols School Heavy Metal at midtempo pace. And I can only say that what I hear is very typical of a lot of the Heavy Metal bands that came from the Netherlands during that era. The production of the four demos gets better during the years. You can definitely hear the progression in sound, intensity, but most of all quality of the songs. The further that ABYSS gets, the more elaborate the tunes get. More breaks, more tempo changes, better songwriting in general. Of course the biggest change is very much imminent between the demos of 1984 and 1990. Six years of experience should be very clear to distinguish. And it is.

The demos of 1991 and 1993 are very crisp, and have a bit of a happier undertone in the music. The band isn’t trying to impress by being elaborate, but they are showing us that they can make this kind of music and be very happy in doing so. It shines through in the songs. Very nice! There is a but to my review though; it’s not easy to complete. The reason for that is that the two live shows that are included in the playlist as shown underneath this review, are added as one file each to the digital files that I have received. So you have to listen to the whole show in one go to get a good picture. Thankfully the overall sound is good, and the songs are properly numbered on the physical versions of “Flashbacks”, so you’re not missing out on what you are listening to. For all those who love delving into Metal history, try this one for size. It’s good enough to keep you from falling into the wrong ABYSS.