Louvado Abismo – Louvado Abismo

For the very last review anno 2024 we present you to a Portuguese band going under the moniker of Louvado Abismo (Eng. ‘Praised Abyss’). It’s also the title for their self-titled debut album, released a few months ago via Half Beast Records. The band from Lisbon boasts seasoned members from diverse artistic and musical backgrounds, including theater actress, Patrícia Andrade (vocals), alongside musicians from different musical projects; Hugo Conim (guitars), Pedro Almeida (drums) and Hélder Luís (bass).

Louvado Abismo consists of ten songs of a conceptual work, where the band successfully blends the elements of heavy/post-punk/industrial/avant-garde/prog/doom/black metal. Confused? So was I after the first spin of this 43-minutes long opus, but after a few additional spins, all the beauty and unquestioned quality of the four artists involved, captured my full attention and consumed my body. Thus, on Louvado Abismo the quartet from Lisbon offers a plethora of different and often opposite and uncompliant musical styles.

Despite of the constant mood and tempo changes, some things remain constant on this record. Thus, let’s begin with Patrícia’s vocals (sung in Portuguese) are delivered with theatrical intensity, ranging from strong and shouted to sweet and melancholic. The guitars are distorted and synthesized, with a vibe reminiscent of the ’80s. The bass guitars add a cinematic atmosphere, alternating between textures and layers to conjure varying sensations and landscapes. The drum arrangements are mostly shifting between rhythmic syncopation and loose, danceable beats.

My favourite track from Louvado Abismo is the third track called, “Corrida Lenta” (watch the video below). It’s a dark, intense and immersive track that lyrically portrays hallucinogenic visions and melancholia. I love the massive chorus, accompanied by overlapping tribal drums, and a superb piano ending of the song, played by Towkuhsh Razamod.

Prior knowledge of Portuguese language is not even necessary, as Louvado Abismo takes a listener on a schizophrenic and psychological journey full of surprises and unexpected sounds. While listening to this 10-tracker to times it almost felt as the sound is dragging the listener into the abyss of their spooky and psycho world. The overall atmosphere of this album is intense, spooky and addictive.

Throughout Louvado Abismo the quartet redefines the 80s aesthetic, weaving it into their own distinct and modern approach to both songwriting and production. If you’re fan of a musical melting pot, blending Christian Death with Siouxsie and the Banshees, or even Godflesh with Killing Joke, Swans and Ministry, then do not hesitate to give Louvado Abismo a proper listen.

For further info on this immense album go to https://louvadoabismo.bandcamp.com/album/louvado-abismo