Abstract Spirit have made quite a name for themselves in the Russian metal underground. Composers M. Hater and I. Stellarghost run their own recording studio, and all three band members are prolific performers in a number of other groups (most notably, vocalist A.K. iEzor's performance with Comatose Vigil). The band has even participated in the formation of the Moscow Funeral League, comprising a number of doom metal groups from current world leaders in the genre. Releasing their fourth album in 2013, Abstract Spirit demand a great deal of respect in Russia's doom community and are ready for more worldwide recognition.

Theomorphic Defectiveness is the aural equivalent of a dark and obscure horror film set in a haunted carnival. The album crawls along at a typical funeral doom pace, but it's the use of unusual guitar sounds and other embellishments to the standard formula that gives the album it's unique carnival vibe. The guitars have great variety (for the genre); bends and slides are common occurrences, and there is even shredding present in occasional breakdowns. Keyboards also play an important role. Rather than standard synthesized orchestrations, the keys here often imitate brass ensembles, which fits and enhances the mood of the music perfectly. The opening title track even has a breakdown four minutes in, after which a passage of eerie music fades in. In addition to A.K.'s growls, shrieks and rasps, there are some unsettling clean chantings and ghostly semi-choral vocals present. These once again provide the album with a thoroughly uncomfortable and obscure atmosphere.

These elements are used to great effect on the four *main tracks* of the album. The 5-minute instrumental track "Leaden Dysthymia" again follows the same principle, acting as a kind of interlude. And then we have "March October" (a cover of funeral doom legends Skepticism, taken from their album Alloy). Featuring a heavy, distorted guitar lead and prominent organ sounds, there is little deviation from Skepticism's original version of the song. While it's a fantastic song played competently and enjoyably, there is too little to distinguish this cover from the original, ending the otherwise excellent album on an unfortunately slight creative step down.

Yet another gem in the catalogue of Solitude Productions, Theomorphic Defectiveness cements Abstract Spirit's place as one of the leaders of the Russian doom metal scene and a rising star in the worldwide doom metal legion. From here I'll be listening to their previous three albums to see how they compare to this opus of insanity.