Absu - Tara
(Olympic) www.olympicrecordings.com

Ever since 'Braveheart', the shrill sound of bagpipes blowing in the wind have become a sure sign that savage men with painted faces and strange uniforms are about to launch a bloodthirsty attack on their cowering enemies. Absu, I'm happy to report, carry on that fine tradition on 'Tara', with an extended bagpipe solo that sets the stage for their bracing blast of complicated but deadly blackened thrash metal. Actually, Satan himself doesn't seem to pop his be-horned head into the proceedings much, as 'Tara' is an intricate concept album about medieval warbeasts or some such hairy goings on, so maybe Absu might more accurately be labeled 'Tartan Metal'. Whatever you want to call it, 'Tara' is a galloping, careening rip ride through ancient swordplay rituals brought to screeching life by velocity and volume and thunderous riffs that crack open the sky. No songs about chicks or rock, mind you, but a righteous display of firepower nonetheless.