The Artist of the week: Abigorum
Abigorum logo
Founded: April 2012
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia (now international)
Current Line-up:
Aleksey "Satanath" Korolyov – Lyrics (track 8: part of Aina), Drums, Keys
Tino "Fluch" Thiele – Vocals and Lyrics (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7), Guitars, Bass
Band Evolution
ABIGORUM emerged from the shadows of Saint Petersburg in 2012, spearheaded by Aleksey Korolyov. The project quickly gained traction with the release of their self-titled demo Abigorum the same year. This was followed by the poignant single My Haemophilia in 2013, a deeply personal reflection on the musician's own health struggles.
In 2016, the band's collaborative spirit shone through with Unholy Ghost Liturgy, a partnership with Cryostasium, which further expanded their artistic reach. The following year, the split album Spectral Shadows showcased their synergy with Striborg, cementing their alliance within the underground metal scene.
A Shift to International Waters
January 2019 marked a significant turning point as ABIGORUM welcomed two German musicians, Tino Thiele and Sandra Batsch, thus transforming the project into an international entity. Retaining their metal roots, the band decided to embrace the German language, resulting in their first full-length album, Exaltatus Mechanism, released in June 2019 through Satanath Records.
The lineup saw changes once more in December 2020, with Sandra leaving the band, leaving Aleksey and Tino to carry forward as a duo. The duo released Vergessene Stille in April 2021, a multifaceted album available on various formats, marking another milestone for the band.
Recent Developments and Future Directions
Aleksey Korolyov's relocation to Batumi, Georgia, in March 2022, heralded a new chapter for ABIGORUM. The release of The Call To Silence in October 2022—featuring collaborations with Ukrainian project Until My Funerals Began and Bolivian band Lachrima Corphus Dissolvens—exemplified the band's commitment to their craft amidst shifting landscapes.
Currently, ABIGORUM is hard at work on their third full-length album, Foretaste of Justice. As they continue to defy genres and geographical boundaries, ABIGORUM remains a defining voice in the metal scene, pushing through darkness to deliver powerful and evocative music.
"Foretaste of Justice" marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the project, showcasing a significant shift towards a more melodic and epic sound. This chapter presents a stark contrast to the band’s previous works, moving away from the deliberate roughness and somber rawness that characterized their earlier music. The transition is evident in the construction of well-thought-out song structures that foster a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
While the sound has grown more melodic, it does not shy away from the depths of anger and pain embedded within the lyrics. This album encapsulates the experiences and reflections of the musicians over the years, giving it a philosophical weight that invites listeners to delve deeper into its themes.
The release features prominent collaborations with Mitka Akkoyun, Dev (Divahar), Gvantsa Giorgadze (Askeesi/Deadsec), and Aina (Blackthorn). Each artist's vocal contributions serve as a highlight, adding depth and texture to the already rich sound. Lyrical contributions and translations by Jane Orpheus (Funere), Alexander Astashin, Arevik Melikyan, and Elena Janashvili further enhance the album's narrative quality.
The album will be available in several formats: digipak CD with a limited run of 500 copies, as well as black vinyl, yellow vinyl, and yellow-blue splatter vinyl, each with only 100 copies pressed. Additionally, T-shirts featuring unique designs will be available soon.
Recorded and mixed between 2022 and 2023, mastering was handled by Robert Romagna (Audiostahl) in April 2024. Notably, the vocals and violin by Mitka Akkoyun were recorded in February 2024 in Istanbul, with Dev’s vocals tracked by Levon Hakhverdyan at Brevis Recording in Yerevan during the same month. Gvantsa's contributions were recorded in March 2024 in Tbilisi, while Aina's vocals were captured in December 2023 in Moscow.
This album is dedicated to Juha "Agathon" Hintikka from Gloomy Grim, Ilya Trunov from Daat, and Evgeny Pilnikov (14.07.1993-18.09.2023) from Wintaar, honoring their impactful legacies in the metal scene.
You can find them on prominent platforms such as Satanath Records, Bandcamp, and Spotify, where their remarkable music is readily available for streaming and purchasing.
