Absu

Occult-obsessed metal band Absu brought a tinge of the mythological to the first night of Maryland Deathfest, as the scent of incense seemed to mingle with the sweaty heat and beer-y reek coming off the crowd. Deathfest is a loud, raucous, incredibly physical celebration, and the contrast with Absu's slightly more mysterious take was a refreshing change of pace. Not that they were sedate in any way; they tore through their set with a clawing, aching intensity, the ragged harsh vocals of "Swords and Leather" practically dripping blood. Their closing song, "Never Blow Out the Eastern Candle," broke on the audience like a thunderhead finally releasing a storm.