Copyright © 2001 Hagal
1. Totentanz
2. Über die Gräber Hinweg
3. Schwarzmond
4. Asatru
5. Pavane
6. Die Kathedrale
7. The Crucified
8. We Don't Believe In God - Yhvh
9. Die Ruhe Vor Dem Sturm
10. Die Rückkehr Der Werwolfes
11. Vernichtung
12. Helge Hundingstöter
13. Ein Traum
14. Heaven In Blood
15. Palaestinalied
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Majestic in its unity of themes but raw and dirty in its sound, the music of Absurd brings together classical themes of honor and loyalty with a streetfighter's mixture of black metal and Oi! hardcore/punk. Disconcertingly enigmatic, the result is addictively listenable music which blossoms from simple riffing into melodies of a decisive nature around which song arrangements build. The harsh rasping voice that carries each song resembles that of a dictator with chlorine scars on his throat, but in moments of clarity and light delivers tone within its abrasive monochromatic rhythm. Where guitar playing on the Asgardsrei, the previous Absurd album, used Rob Darken-influenced chord voicings and pacing, on this the guitars are purely fast and furious in the style of violent Oi! from years past. Drumming is simplified to the point where only the essential motions emerge from chaotic origins, and all instruments embrace the cash-and-carry notion from punk music that the first take is often the best. The concept behind this album is an explanation of Nazi beliefs in three segments, divided by folk bagpipe playing, and its tackling of anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity and anti-Capital is unified by a cuttingly aggressive dissidence. While many might have trouble finding reasons to like this, after a handful of listens its vision and artistic range become predominant in the mind of the hearer.
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