A leopard cannot change its spots ;) The mates from ABANDON HOPE are around in the music and metal biz for at least fifteen years now, in different bands and projects. But what I can say is, the musical basics are always similar ;)
ABANDON HOPE exist for three years now and after the 4-track demo Existence in the founding year the band strikes back with their first self-financed full-length entitled The Endless Ride. And this record nails everything down on the wall! That’s for sure! And so I have to queue in a long line of positively surprised laudators.
The Endless Ride visually pleases as a well-designed digi-pack with a 20-sites-booklet and a sound that is ultra phat, differentiated, sophisticated and powerful… what do I say… it is punching like hell! The sound is a bit underground and much filthy. Great! Love it!
Musically speaking ABANDON HOPE ranges in a huge area of styles and influences. Old Pantera and Sepultura can be found as well as Down, Machinehead, a hint of Alternative a la Life Of Agony and a proper dash of Stoner Rock (I’d say Kyuss for some reason). If listening attentively one will hear out much more influences and find cits from Nevermore up to AC/DC. Likewise not to be disavowed can be certain roots of the band members, what leads me to a deduction of the B-note for innovation. But I can live with it, because this conglomeration is fresh and kicks ass tons. I guess purists will go mad by this sound. But, who cares…
However, already the intro The Goddess let you sense out what to expect: power and groooooooove. The bass guitar is very low-tuned, quite distinct and rules as fuck. Seamlessly leading over to Someone’s Desire singer Hommel’s voice knows how to surprise. Singing is clean, melodic and emotional. Almost emo. Here again some leanings to known heroes from the scene. My faves on this record are the already mentioned opener, The Sad, The Damned, The Dead and Lost But Not Forgotten. The Jethro Tull cover Locomotive Breath (one of the greatest classics) I did not like in the beginning. But after listening to it several times I cannot get it out of my brain anymore.
I have to confess that The Endless Ride is one of the best self-financed releases I got so far in 2006. I did not expect this. It is really surprising. Kudos to ABANDON HOPE. Amen.
Oh, by the way… The Endless Ride can be purchased for 10 Euro from the band’s digital home.