For the duration of this review, a fence is definitely required. ABIGAIL WILLIAMS first came to light some years ago, hailing from the frostbitten tundra of Phoenix. At the time, Phoenix was not so frostbitten, but they have had some truly whacky weather lately, so maybe ABIGAIL WILLIAMS knew something the rest of us didn't. In any event, the band seemed to come and go over night, suffering from lineup changes galore, and in the process releasing some of the most highly regarded Black Metal in recent memory, being an E.P. titled "Legend" in 2006 and one full length, "In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns" in 2008. Oh, they also blew people's minds with their curious fusion of Black Metal, Hardcore, and Grindcore. And then they imploded, or something.

Back on track now with an almost entirely new lineup, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS has belched forth "In The Absence Of Light" and for 2010, in a scene run amok with pretenders to something true, it's quite a stunning piece of work. The music is capably orchestrated, and everyone's favorite caged iguana is present to handle vocal duties. The detractions, though, are that throughout its duration, "In The Absence Of Light" smacks of a bit of hero worship at the infernal altars of DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, and of course MAYHEM. In terms of production, perhaps this is the most prevalent misstep. The production is cold, but in a clinical way, no instrument stands out, everything sounds staler than that bologna sandwich you left in your locker for a week in grade six. The icy presentation does not so much make one think of anything grim, just of something flat and ultimately a tad uninspired.

With the above in mind, given the correct mood, lighting, mood lighting and availability of some alone time with some headphones with a serious bass boost function, "In The Absence Of Light" is an enjoyable foray into American Black Metal. It is not, however, something to be reached for when one wants to listen to something "enjoyable" or fresh, and is essentially a Black Metal rehash. Kudos on the effort to ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, but at the end of the day the listener may want something slightly more authentic. Phoenix just ain't that grim, it's not remote enough, and the feelings intended to be translated just don't seem to be.

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS have not failed in their attempt to smack some life into the corpse of American Black Metal. Their contribution is one of value and worthy of at least a cursory listen for anyone who is curious. The overall production, and sense that DIMMU BORGIR did this, almost exactly, years ago is enough to make this particular effort essentially a "yes, I've heard that" proposition and not necessarily something to tweet about.