It is in Italy that we set out to discover Antikosmos, the new album by Abadir, released on July 30, 2025 through Unholy Dungeon Tapes. Behind the project stands a duo: Askios on guitars, bass, and drums, and Δ on vocals, mixing, and mastering. A duo only on paper, because the universe they conjure feels like a single entity, compact and whole, where every element resonates as an extension of the other.
The album lives up to its name: Antikosmos, the counter-world, a plunge into a space where order and chaos constantly brush against one another. Its themes are steeped in paganism and a dark metaphysical quest, and one feels that the songs attempt to channel a personal, almost intimate vision of these forces. This is not “folkloric” paganism, but a more spiritual approach, rooted in man’s confrontation with the void and the infinite.
Musically, Abadir delivers black metal that stands firmly within tradition without slipping into repetition. The production is deliberately raw yet clear enough to let the instruments breathe – a delicate balance that the duo handles well. Guitars take the lead, with sharp riffs that do not shy away from repetition in order to build hypnotic soundscapes. The drums follow with precision, sometimes martial, sometimes pulling back to let the atmosphere unfold. Δ’s vocals are incantatory, closer to trance than sheer aggression, reinforcing the occult aura of the record.
Among the tracks, “Thymos” stands out as a central piece. Its structure feels more deliberate, almost ritualistic, and it’s easy to see why the band highlights it. Here, raw energy and spiritual depth meet, embodying the essence of the album.
The artwork, also created by Δ, extends this sense of coherence. Everything is conceived as a whole: sound, image, and intention. There is a clear will to remain faithful to an artisanal approach, with the artist maintaining control over every aspect. In a musical world often fragmented between multiple contributors, this unity is a strength.
If one criticism can be made of Antikosmos, it would be a certain lack of variety in the riffs. Yet this can also be seen as a virtue: repetition creates an obsessive atmosphere, perfectly aligned with the album’s themes. This is not a record designed to charm on first listen, but one that gradually unfolds, demanding full immersion from the listener.
In the end, Abadir delivers with Antikosmos a solid, sincere, and coherent work. Not an attempt to reinvent black metal, but to practice it as a spiritual and creative act. In a landscape saturated with interchangeable projects, this album deserves attention – and to be allowed to resonate, until the void itself becomes palpable.
Antikosmos is available on cassette via Unholy Dungeon Tapes, along with merchandising (t-shirt).
Follow Abadir on their social media to stay updated on future releases and dive into their dark universe now
- Bandcamp Abadir: Abadir
- Bandcamp Label: Unholy Dungeon Tapes
- Instagram: Abadir
