Description
Subdued – “Abattoir” LP
An eight track follow-up to their previous debut album of 2020, Over The Hills And Far Away. Sadly, as a band, Subdued died earlier this year. Already sorely missed, such a shame they weren’t able to hold it together in order to reap the rewards of the hard work and effort that was evidently invested in this album of 2024. Galloping tribal beats and effects-heavy guitar tones (with some successful Killing Joke flourishes) topped by distinct vocal style that echos many great anarcho-punk bands of the 1980’s (specifically the ones that centered around London, or that were having a bloody good crack at sounding like they were from London). it’s a timeless sound, and one that serves Subdued very well, more so than their sonic-compatriots such as Bad Breeding and Industry. who doesn’t love a mix of Exit Stance, early Amebix and Icons Of Filth? (And add on a couple of less well known acts like Liberty and Stigma). Ach well, at least Subdued ended on a high.
“The lyrics are as thought-provoking as they are dark. They are filled with substance and not mindless songs about nothing important. This is a great album, and one of my favorites of the year.” – M.R.R.
