Hello friends! Friday is once again upon us so let us celebrate and drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offerings: Abythic‘s Eden of the Doomed and Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Beam Me Up, Stouty.
The Tunes: Abythic – Eden of the Doomed
Starting strong before even diving into the tunes with the killer artwork (that looks to me like a metalized Bosch piece) I knew this mini album was going to be righteous. I was not wrong. These three impossibly heavy tracks are full of deep growled death vocals, distorted riffs, screeching guitar, marching basslines, and powerful drumming. Abythic showcase their technical talents in Eden of the Doomed with all the energy of a live performance. As soon as the doom-like opening riffs began, I felt as though I was standing up front at a concert about ready to mosh and injure my 31-year-old body. The album is mostly death metal with some hints of doom. Each piece opens with spoken vocals in the band’s native German tongue, with faint ominous static/atmospheric elements in the background before crushing riffs ensue. I am particularly blown away by the drumming as the rapid-fire nature sounds almost physically impossible to create. The production here is also impressive as each instrument is heard clearly and nothing is muddled. Three individuals make up Abythic and each member brings massive talent and power. If you’re just looking for a quick pick-me-up and fill of death doom, this mini album is worth a listen. And, if you find yourself looking for more after enjoying Eden of the Doomed, the band released a full-length album last year titled Dominion Of The Wicked that brings more doom and also slaps. Basically, you can’t go wrong with Abythic.
The Booze: Saugatuck Brewing Company – Beam Me Up, Stouty
The weather has been strange here in the Midwest (what else is new…) as we’ve gone from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees. To complement this winter-y summer-y weather, what better to enjoy than a dark stout with a hint of a tropical fruit? Beam Me Up, Stouty is a delightful take on a classic dry stout with a touch of coconut that finishes each sip. This beer is brewed by Saugatuck Brewing Co. in Michigan who know a thing or two about Midwest weather as well as lovely seasonal brews and stout varieties. Beam Me Up, Stouty is very dark bodied with a malty smell that carries a bit of sweetness. The beige head dissolved quickly as this is not a very frothy beer. It is heavy in body and almost feels like a milk stout, but the coconut adds a welcomed lightness. I was a little concerned that this beer may taste like a Mounds Bar (which, don’t get me wrong, I love a Mounds Bar just not as a beverage) but it is not overly sweet or decadent. The taste is more malty and toasty with notes of coffee and earthy hops in addition to the coconut that comes through towards the end of each swig. It is nicely balanced and a perfect treat to enjoy no matter the season.
Cheers and blessed be
– Angela
Nine Circles 