Absu’s legacy will be brought to life by Proscriptor McGovern performing under Zemial.
Absu, originally formed as Dolmen in 1989 by Shaftiel and Equitant Ifernain, is a black/death metal band from the unlikeliest of places: Dallas, Texas. Renowned for their self-proclaimed "mythological occult metal," Absu’s themes center on esoteric mysticism, Sumerian mythology, and Celtic legend. With a name inspired by ancient Mesopotamian beliefs, the band quickly gained attention with early demos "Immortal Sorcery" and "Return of the Ancients", followed by the cult-classic EP "The Temples of Offal" (1992).
The addition of the legendary drummer/vocalist Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens) cemented their signature sound and lyrical complexity. With Proscriptor leading the charge, albums like "Barathrum" (1993), "The Sun of Tiphareth" (1995), and "The Third Storm of Cythraul" (1997) became monumental entries in black metal history. The 2001 opus Tara, steeped in Celtic lore, solidified Absu's place among the elite of extreme metal. Their intricate musicianship and thematic ambition earned tours with notable acts and massive respect in black metal circles.
