A Void Within Existence

Abigail Williams - “A Void Within Existence” 2025

Abigail Williams - what began as a Symphonic Black/Metalcore project back in 2004, has evolved into what it is today - a legit Black Metal band. I’m not saying that their previous output was no good. It just felt a bit shallow in comparison to albums like 2015’s “The Accuser” and 2019’s “Walk Beyond the Dark”. Abigail Williams’ early output was indicative of a USBM scene that was in the midst of an identity crisis. The addition/formation of bands like Inquisition, Nachtmystium and later UADA helped to evolve a Scandinavian-inspired movement that was birthed by Judas Iscariot and Xasthur back in the ‘90’s. Now, the scene is still a bit shifty, but nonetheless a proud one. The USBM underground is a thriving settlement these days thanks to bands like Wuldorgast and Belnejoum whose unique vision for USBM has been realized under the gaze of scrutinizing Record Labels such as Antiq and Iron Bonehead.

“Walk Beyond the Dark” was a monumental release for USBM that further legitimized Abigail Williams as a class act within the scene. Its reviews are up & down, mostly due to critics who chastise Abigail Williams’ early works, and who believe that AW Visionary, Ken Sorceron, is what? A poser… Jeez… These critics are more-than-likely virgins who are obsessed with Black Metal, just not in a good way. Sometimes it takes a while for a band to find its identity, or better yet, sometimes a band just evolves naturally from one point to another without any amount of forcing its transformation. I feel like Abigail Williams fall into the latter area of explanation. Now, the time has come for the exploration of the dismal self; the scarred individual from whom we run from each and every day. On July 18, Abigail Williams will release “A Void Within Existence” via Agonia.

“A Void Within Existence” sees AW in a state of renewal following the addition of Drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory) and the help of Engineer Dave Otero (Aborted). In other words, it’s time to kick this motherfucker into sixth and smoke the naysayers. Mike’s presence is most certainly felt here during the opening track, “Life Disconnected”. Such depth, such power! And the experimental nature of the music, the unpredictable quality to it only sweetens the deal. “A Void Within Existence” is not merely the title of the album, but a state of mind; one that engulfed Ken as he wrote it: loneliness and emptiness to tick away the nightly minutes as the moon and stars fail to fully illuminate the atmosphere; a cruel overbearing upon us all, upon the desolate heart of the yearning artist who strives for fulfillment. But alas, here we are together to partake in the fruit of Ken’s despair…

The agony of a hundred years tugging you under; beneath the surface of desperation’s mire - “Nonexistence” - candles burning down to their stumps, heart sinking - melancholy beyond words, beyond sorrow… A blessed alternation between what’s depressive and what’s aggressive. Ken’s agonized voice crying out over abyssal progressions: clean guitars, temped rhythms and a couple of soulful leads. Easing you into what feels like a nice warm bath just before the water starts to boil; blistering your tender flesh as incinerating riffs and blast-beats sear your outermost everything; permeating into the depths of your soul where the longing for just a second’s relief reigns over all. “A Void Within Existence” puts a much more versatile side to Abigail Williams on display. I don’t want to say that their previous record is predictable, just when compared to what we have here.

“A Void Within Existence” reaches its end with a deathly experience - “No Less Than Death” - liberation from it all, the sweet release of death most final in what feels like a cross between Advent Sorrow and Nachtmystium, but with hypnotic clean vocals; heartfelt assurances of life’s self-imposed completion. A classic epic at over nine minutes of runtime. Gripping the whole way through and nothing lost to pretentiousness. The album’s finest guitar solo being the catalyst to the divine silence that follows this: one Hell of a Black Metal Record. Abigail Williams are just growing more and more substantial with every release, and “A Void Within Existence” is arguably their finest recording. Transcending underground scene reverence into the realm of international appreciation is AW. Now, let the tears flow! Becoming drunk with despair, inspired by self-loathing and lending ourselves over to emotions we wouldn’t wish on anyone. Here’s to the Void! Here’s to Abigail Williams…

9.3/10

~Jeger

Experience “Still Nights” from “A Void Within Existence” by Abigail Williams right here as presented by Agonia Records:

https://youtu.be/3zAXkcmlyI0?si=H_qvUF7a_vB94Q5t