Abyss
by Chelsea Wolfe
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Clash Music
    Aug 14, 2015
    60
    Despite the overarching quality of the album, its continual, dirge-like range of instrumentation can become a little stifling and songs risk blending into one another.
  2. NOW Magazine
    Aug 6, 2015
    60
    It’s a challenging album, one you might not put on often.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 52
  3. Negative: 2 out of 52
  1. PaleEyedFever
    Aug 8, 2015
    9
    I was really interested to see where Chelsea Wolfe would be heading with her music after the change in artistry she displayed with her lastI was really interested to see where Chelsea Wolfe would be heading with her music after the change in artistry she displayed with her last release 'Pain is Beauty'; another very fine album. Her latest release of 'Abyss' has yet another shift into a much darker and vulnerable place, and it's absolutely fantastic to be there.

    Throughout 'Abyss', Chelsea shows a lot of influence from metal, but does so in a way that doesn't detract from her trademark sounds and melodies. The result is both brutal and heartbreaking. It's a little reminiscent of her 'Apokalypsis' album, but with a more refined pallet. The production on 'Abyss' might be where this album shines the most. It envelops the listener into the world Chelsea is painting with her music in such a way that captures everything this album wants to be.

    My only criticism of 'Abyss' is that it does drag out a tad with the last few songs, but these are still wonderful tracks. There isn't one bad moment to be had and Chelsea has come through yet again with a solid, timeless album.

    Favourite tracks: Carrion Flowers, Maw, After the Fall, Crazy Love    … Full Review »
  2. ImSedated
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    What an amazing album, to date this is one of my favorite in my collection of mixed genres from rap to country. Iron Moon is a powerful,What an amazing album, to date this is one of my favorite in my collection of mixed genres from rap to country. Iron Moon is a powerful, powerful song. Her collaborations seem to be work really well. I love the boys from Russian Circles and to see her carry on a working relationship after Memorial is a delight to hear.
    Unfortunately I am late to her bandwagon party, only hearing her music by chance from listening to the new music featured on Itunes. But in the end, now that I've purchased two of her albums and will complete the collection soon enough it's nice to have a new artist to listen to regardless when I discovered her. .    … Full Review »
  3. Jammy
    May 7, 2017
    9
    Abyss is that metaphorical black dog of depression painted as a wolf; not a quiet melancholy tugging at your leg every morning, but a fierce,Abyss is that metaphorical black dog of depression painted as a wolf; not a quiet melancholy tugging at your leg every morning, but a fierce, hungry, soul-sapping monster biting at your neck.
    Chelsea Wolfe's album is a menacing, beautiful and crushing masterpiece. Its sound palette is grungey and industrial, and Wolfe's ethereal vocals float on top of the walls of distortion like a spectral haunting. It's consistently gloomy, but delivers enough light and dark to avoid becoming monotonous. There are fantastic choruses and crescendos throughout - Iron Moon and Dragged Out being particular highlights. Wolfe should be proud.
    Score: 9/10 [Excellent]    … Full Review »
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