Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû – Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû

Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû

Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû

by Alex Barnard at 11 March 2022, 12:20 AM

PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ is a Technical Thrash/Black Metal band from Dallas, Texas. “Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû” is the group’s self-titled debut, released by Agonia Records on November 26, 2021.

This band, which describes its music as “mythological occult Metal,” was formed out of the dissolution of another band called ABSU. Proscriptor McGovern, the leader of the previous band, formed this group almost immediately after its predecessor dissolved, and is continuing the bizarre sound that his previous band was known for.

Upon first listen, some of the most immediately noticeable influences on this group’s music that come to mind include DEMOLITION HAMMER, WATCHTOWER, and early EMPEROR. Proscriptor McGovern’s vocals are menacing and demonic, blending perfectly with the occult themes that abound throughout this album. His drumming is also superb, rivalling greats like Gene Hoglan on tracks like “Caliginous Whorl.” Vaggreaz’s riffs are dizzying, constantly fast and incredibly technical while remaining melodic (“Quasaric Pestilence”). Ezezu, the only other remaining member from ABSU, plays basslines that would give CANNIBAL CORPSE’s Alex Webster a run for his money, especially during the intro to “Jupiter In Capricornus.” And finally, what really brings the Black Metal elements into the band’s music is Vorskaath’s keyboard playing, heard most prominently on “Tantrums Of Azag-Kkû.”

Other highlights from this album include “In-Betweeness Gateway Commuters,” which has a real VOIVOD feel to it, especially with the use of those dissonant chords in the beginning; “Amenta Accelerando Azyn including Hierophantasmal Expounder,” a particularly chaotic introduction to the smorgasbord of insanity that is this album; and “Dedicated To Thoth, But Azathoth Wasn’t Listening (A Necroloquy),” with its positively dark melodies and mosh-worthy riffs.

Overall, this is a very unique album. PROSCRIPTOR MCGOVERN’S APSÛ have hit the ground running with this debut, and I’m sure their following releases will be just as bizarre – in a good way. If you want Lovecraftian horror mixed with mind-melting Technical Thrash Metal, this is the album for you.

Production: 10
Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 10
Memorability: 7