Short in the number of songs but long on length, Abigail Williams new album is a throwback to the 90's heyday of black metal production. At first Listen I thought it was the wrong copy of “Becoming” because it sounds like Abigail went back in time to Norway and recorded this album after Mayhem did “ De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”. Needless to say “Becoming” grew on me instantly. Its full of melodic blackened goodness!

The music no doubt has a retro old school feel and production, but what and how they're playing brings everything into the present. Similar a bit to Watain in approach. Former The Black Dahlia Murder drummer Zach Gibson does a great job filling in the vacated seat of Samus Paulicelli who went to bash for Decrepit Birth. Mastermind Ken Sorcerons use of clean non distorted guitars as well as well placed keyboard work of Ashley Ellyllon give this album a very dark yet relaxing feel. We're even treated to the sounds of the ocean and the beach (check out the soundscape in ‘Three Days Of Darkness’) throughout some songs. Long time guitarist Ian Jekelis' leads seem timeless, they do justice to the old school style while not lingering too long in the past. My only complaint with this album is it could have benefited more by having a little more bass in the mix. It's just a touch to high sounding, a little more low end wouldn’t hurt.

‘Ascension Sickness’ Is a great opener and goes head first at full steam. Not everything on here is at hyper speed, with 'Radiance' it kind of reminds you of psychedelicness of Nachtmystium. There are a couple low moments throughout the album, like before they kick it in with the third track 'Elestial'. At eight minutes and twelve seconds this is not the longest or the shortest song. It's a good grooving headbanger and feel like I should be lighting candles somewhere dark and damp. Then there is 'Beyond The Veil' , coming in at seventeen minutes and eleven seconds, it’s a little proggy and just grand. Full of Cellos thanks to Sarah Chaffee and cool tempo shifts. It's my favorite song on the album.

If your one of those people who think early 90s Black Metal is the best thing in the world, you'll love this. If you can get past the modern sensibility they tossed in.