Abigail Williams, Now Featuring Two Ex-Members of Nachtmystium, Release Two New Songs

I don’t really know what to think about Abigail Williams at this point. The band has changed styles so many times — and members, although that’s somewhat less important since the band has always been Ken Sorceron’s baby — that it’s kinda hard for me to take them seriously. On the other hand, the band has a cadre of avid supporters — including the very trustworthy No Clean Singing, who today premieres two brand new Abigail Williams tracks — so I feel obligated to at least give them a shot each time they release something new.

And then there’s this: Abigail Williams 2k14 features quite the roster of accomplished Chicago metal veterans. Check it out:

Ken Sorceron — vocals, guitar
Ian Jekelis — guitar
Jeff Wilson (Wolvhammer, ex-Nachtmystium) — guitar
Charlie Fell (Lord Mantis, ex-Nachtmystium, Von) — drums
Will Lindsay (Indian, ex-Wolves in the Throne Room) — bass

The two new songs come from AW’s forthcoming new album, which doesn’t have a release date yet but according to Sorceron is expected in early 2015. They sound more or less like what you’d expect given the cast of characters and Sorceron’s trajectory into deeper and darker black metal. The recording quality isn’t great (it was recorded at their practice space), but “Will, Wish and Desire” has a memorable chorus that’s brought to light via a steady, mid-tempo beat that serves it well. I’m less impressed with the other song, “Forever Kingdom of Dirt,” which doesn’t seem to go anywhere. But hey: MetalSucks just said something nice about Abigail Williams! “Will, Wish and Desire” is worth checking out. Hi, Ken!

Listen to both songs at No Clean Singing. Neill Jameson of Krieg and Twilight contributes guest vocals and lyrics on “Forever Kingdom of Dirt.” There’s an update from Sorceron on the status of the band and album posted there as well.