By Lee Newman
Absu are not so much a band as they are conjurers of obscure esotericism through frenzied guitarwork and spectacularly assaultive drums. And just as a wizened old magician will cast more devastating spells than a novice, Absu have only grown more ambitious with age, fusing ripping black metal with 1970s prog freakouts in a blaze of technical skill and intensity. The North American Connexus Conjuration Tour, which celebrates the band’s twenty years of mythological occult metal, sees Absu culling tracks from their back catalogue as well as focusing on more recent work, including the first two installments of their yet unfinished trilogy of albums. With two full sets of this career-spanning material lined up, Absu are sure to conquer the Highline with their obscure hexes and frantic black metal majesty (just be sure to check yourself for any wayward demons before you leave).
Rounding out the bill this Thursday are crushing Olympia death metal mainstays Bone Sickness, along with their doomier, sludgier, and more primitive Seattle cousins Old Skin. Show up early for these groups, as both churn out some of the most deliciously sick, heavy riffs that will ever rattle your eardrums. Fellow Seattleites Cross is also along for the ride. Featuring members of Book of Black Earth, Cross will be bringing their black metal/hardcore hybridism to bash your skull in yet further. This is absolutely not a show to be missed. Tickets are available at etix.com for $12, as well as at the Highline, Sonic Boom, Singles Going Steady and Zion’s Gate. Snap them up while you can.
