In The Absence of Light is the second album from American Symphonic Black Metal band, Abigail Williams. The confident and consistent set of songs on offer here shows that the group has recovered from their frequent line-up changes and temporary split, emerging as a force to be reckoned with.

The sound of the album draws heavily from Scandinavian Black Metal, emulating Dimmu Borgir in particular, although comparisons could also be made with the '90s sound of the UK's Cradle of Filth. The guitar melodies and solos are intricate; the drums provide a fast and heavy backdrop; while Sorceron's vocals are a great display of Black Metal intensity. The album has a strong sense of atmosphere, augmented by the use of eerie sound effects such as tolling bells, rain and the cries of wolves and crows. Whilst Sorceron's vocals are excellent, sadly it is difficult to easily make out the song lyrics, which proves a loss. The album maintains momentum through eight impressive tracks, never losing direction; What Hell Awaits Me and The Mysteries That Bind The Flesh prove especially memorable.

Whilst the execution of the songs is flawless, Abigail Williams could suffer from being branded derivative. Despite hailing from Phoenix in the US, they adhere so strictly to the Scandinavian sound that they have no personal identity. The album was mastered in Sweden by Peter Tägtgren of Hypocrisy, who has also worked with Dimmu Borgir, Immortal and Children of Bodom. It's hard to escape the sense that Abigail Williams would rather blend in with the established Scandinavian scene than try to foster their own sound and promote US Black Metal, which is a shame. 

This aside, there is plenty to enjoy in this accomplished and skillful album. A few more years could see this band right at the forefront of the scene.

Score - 8.0 out of 10