Black metal bands have a certain image and attitude, but some are more obvious than other. The Swedish band Avsky's name means "disgust" in their native language, and song titles on their second full-length include "Loathing" and "In Contempt," so you know exactly where they are coming from.
Malignant is an apt title for the CD, since one of the dictionary definitions of the term is "evil in nature, influence, or effect." That describes this CD perfectly. The songs are bleak and evil, filled with destruction and desolation. Their sound is inspired by the early days of black metal and artists like Burzum and Bathory.
Avsky adds a lot of catchy guitar riffs and groove that make this a memorable CD. The duo of AE and TO do a good job of mixing things up, going from fast, blast-beat driven grimness to groovier, mid tempo tracks. Malignant is an effective mix of old school blasphemous black metal and more modern black and roll influences.
(released April 8, 2008 on Moribund Records)
