Abowth – Drowning Souls (Review)

From the city of Québec, Abowth delivers Drowning Souls, a dark and haunting journey into the depths of atmospheric black metal. A solo project by Dominic, Abowth builds a world that goes far beyond music: an intimate mythology where misty memories, tales of a haunted village, and visions between dream and nightmare collide.

Musically, Drowning Souls unfolds across eight tracks where cold, melodic riffs sometimes echo the shadow of Dissection, without ever falling into imitation. Guitars intertwine to create hypnotic layers, driven by a dry, straightforward rhythm section. The atmosphere is heavy but never monotonous: each track opens a new window into Abowth’s universe, shifting between contemplative passages and more aggressive outbursts.

The track “Curse”, first released as a single, stands out as a centerpiece of the album. Both captivating and oppressive, it perfectly captures the project’s artistic approach: an exploration of dark forces that haunt memory and cling to the present. But the album doesn’t stop there—songs like Âmes déchirées and Flooded Void highlight Dominic’s ability to create a cohesive narrative while still shifting atmospheres.

Beyond the sound itself, what really stands out is the project’s sincerity. No gimmicks, no compromise: Drowning Souls breathes pure DIY spirit and passion, with every riff forged to channel an inner vision. The artwork—dark and evocative—further cements an identity that gives Abowth its own unique place in the scene.

In the end, Drowning Souls is a dense, personal, and captivating album. It can be heard as both a plunge into darkness and a meditative drift along a fog-shrouded river. A record that proves the underground still has plenty of truth to offer, far from formula and trend.

Dominic of Abowth recently granted us an interview, which you’ll be able to read very soon right here on your favorite webzine.INTERVIEW HERE

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