Absu Have Broken Up
Black metallers Absu have broken up. Longtime drummer and vocalist Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens), who joined the band a year after their formation in 1992, announced their dissolution this afternoon.
Guitarist Vis Crom (Melissa Moore), announced in 2018 that she was no longer in the band, in part citing her bandmates’ reaction to her coming out as transgender for what she labeled their dissolution, although the band didn’t officially announce they’d broken up. She said at the time, “the most fucked up transphobia from my bandmates is what happened. The band is broken up and I am still at a loss on how to handle it. It [isn’t] ONLY because I am trans.”
Posting on the band’s official Facebook page today, Givens wrote the following:
“After meager deliberation and zero remorse, I have decided to dissolve Absu after three decades of existence. Collectively and universally speaking, this decision is finite due to insoluble circumstances, which has led to this ultimate result. No amount of time, exertion, formula or fashion can alter my verdict.
“Refusing to further comment on the subject, I leave thee with the following enchantment:
“{Vii} For there are bitter waters of Chaos held immobile under (the) ground – And the Sovereigns, who personify them, reign over Opacities and Beyond.
“[II] Beseech these All-Begetters in darkness, outside the circles of time. In Chaos’ sleight of hand, the Deep will respond.”
“{Vi} Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle —
“Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens)”
One might accuse Absu of many things, but, as you can see from the above statement and as anyone who’s ever witnessed their live shows will attest, breaking character is certainly not one of them. That said, while he doesn’t owe the public a full explanation of the reasons he’s choosing to end the band, I really wish Givens had addressed Melissa Moore’s claims head-on rather than ignoring them entirely. What a cop out.
Moore is currently killing it in the band Sonja while running the trans/non-binary apparel line Toxic Femme. Bassist Ezezu (Paul Williamson), who was in the band since 2008, currently spearheads Panzram, and has not yet issued a statement on Absu’s demise.
