Abscond: The Architects of Modern Progressive Metal

Abscond is a progressive metal band from Oslo, Norway, known for their complex compositions and atmospheric soundscapes. The group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their 2018 album Chrysalis, which charted in several European territories and solidified their international fanbase.

Early career

Formed in 2010, the members of Abscond met while studying music at the University of Oslo. Their initial self-released EP, Fragments of Silence in 2012, garnered attention in online metal communities for its technical precision.

This early buzz led to a development deal with the independent label Sonic Vein Records in 2014, which released their full-length debut The Aether Gate the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Chrysalis. Released through the larger metal-focused imprint Nightfall Records, the album debuted at number 12 on the Norwegian album chart.

Chrysalis also saw distribution across Europe, leading to sustained sales and a certified gold award in their home country for over 15,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Veil of Perception — This lead single from Chrysalis became a staple on European metal radio and introduced their signature blend of melody and aggression.

Lucid Shores — A fan-favorite epic noted for its dynamic range and guest clean vocals from Swedish singer Ellinor Vogel.

Oblivion's Embrace — The track that first showcased the band's heavier, more dissonant side on their debut album.

Chrysalis — The ambitious title track exemplifies their progressive song structures, clocking in at over ten minutes.

Echoes in the Static — From their 2021 follow-up, this song highlights their evolution into more atmospheric and synth-laden territory.

Following the success of Chrysalis, Abscond's 2021 album Monochrome Pulse expanded their sonic palette. The record incorporated more electronic elements and featured a notable collaboration with drummer Matt Garstka on the track Fractal Geometry.

Their consistent touring schedule across Europe and festival appearances at events like Wacken Open Air and Inferno Festival have cemented their reputation as a powerful live act. The band is currently writing material for a fourth studio album expected in late 2024.

Fans of Abscond's intricate progressive metal often appreciate the work of similar Scandinavian artists. Leprous shares a focus on vocal melody and complex rhythm. Enslaved explores a similar fusion of progressive structures with extreme metal roots. VOLA blends heavy djent-inspired riffs with atmospheric synth layers in a comparable way.

Abscond's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations that cater to modern metal and progressive rock audiences. Their tracks are regularly featured on specialty metal shows, classic rock FM stations with dedicated heavy music programming, and various online progressive rock radio streams.

The music of Abscond can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or listen to the Norwegian progressive metal band through the radio stations available on onairium.com.