Portugal’s Louvado Abismo offers us their self-titled debut record, delving into the depths of the abyss through the intricate layers of schizophrenia and psychological disturbance. The album is set for vinyl and digital release on 31 May via Half Beast Records, with a CD release to follow.

 

Despite being a new formation, Louvado Abismo boasts seasoned members from diverse artistic backgrounds, including theater actress Patrícia Andrade (ex- Sinistro) on vocals, Hugo Conim (Dawnrider, Els Focs Negres...) on guitars, Pedro Almeida (A Tree of Signs, Scum Liquor...) on drums, and Hélder Luís (Mozart Meets Chaos, The Sleeper has Awakened...) on bass.

 

Musically, Louvado Abismo’s debut is a melting pot, blending Christian Death with Siouxsie and the Banshees, or even Godflesh with Killing Joke, Swans and Ministry. Throughout the album, the quartet redefines the ‘80s aesthetic, weaving it into their own distinct and modern approach.

 

The drum arrangements, shifting between rhythmic syncopation and loose, danceable beats, are complemented by distorted synthesized guitars, creating a glamorous and engaging vibe reminiscent of the '80s. The bass guitars add a cinematic atmosphere, alternating between textures and layers to conjure varying sensations and landscapes, at times conveying agony and disorder, at others, ecstasy and groove.

 

Patrícia’s vocals, sung in Portuguese with theatrical intensity, serve as the central character of the lyrics. Ranging from strong and shouted to sweet and melancholic, her voice guides the listeners through an abyss of formless and surreal thoughts, evoking shivers and transcending mere musical expression.

 

The formula above makes this set of 10 songs a conceptual work that plunges the listeners into a black hole, where the decompensated human mind commands, portraying madness and transmitting visions and sensations that envelop and consume the body.