UK extreme metal outfit Abduction have recently celebrated the release of their new album, Existentialismus, on February 21, 2025, via Candlelight Records. Following the success of their 2022 album Black Blood, the new record follows themes of existential turmoil, societal decay, and personal reckoning. We caught up with mastermind A|V to discuss their latest offering.
Can you describe the recording process experience for the new album, Existentialismus, especially recording with the full band for the first time?
Hi there. This time round I decided to get the other guys involved. They have performed live for so long with me and became a crucial part of this project, it just made sense to bring them in.
It was a little weird having to share this big workload that I normally put on myself to push through the recording till the end, but the benefit is their talents are heard and I got to let go a little bit for once.
You’ve described this record as both stripped-down and more personal. How does this contrast with your previous work?
I have made much very claustrophobic music in the early days, and more recently, better produced but almost psychedelic records. There was a house move to the countryside and a few life changes in between Black Blood and Existentialismus which led to a lot of introspection in an environment more conducive to philosophising and reflection. Where I lived before always had me feeling trapped in the city shit and looking outwards to escape. This record is very much about introspection. That and judging the horrors of the human race and the acceleration to extinction I guess.
A Legacy of Sores critiques modern society’s lack of core beliefs. Do you see any hope for a cultural shift?
Not really. We have tries so hard as a species since through religion and since enlightenment to understand out place and our purpose. There is a small culture of people who seem to be dedicated to self improvement for the right reasons, but the majority of the modern world is so wrapped up in a sort of constant dopamine addiction, with an increasingly shrinking attention span, I really don’t know whwt comes next.
What songs were more challenging to write?
I don’t really I find writing a challenge. It’s a joy. It’s not something I do as often as I like these says. More quality than quantity, but in the midst of the process it’s a glorious position of bubbling potential that hasn’t occurred yet. It’s exciting.
The album contains strong philosophical elements, with one track described as a “Nietzschean nightmare.” Are there any other philosophical influences or references to specific philosophers hidden within the album?
Lots of Russian existentialist philosophy, the idea of Suffering to become enlightened. Yet also slightly less miserable stuff like Alan Watts.
Peterson was great for a while, and is largely responsible for my own move towards self improvement, but more recently he’s become completely lost in scripture and a parody of himself.
How did the band transition from a one-man project to a full lineup?
The simple answer is I kept getting better offers and it reached the point where I wouldn’t be able to do it justice by myself. I’m still proud of those days though, no one does solo black metal shows, even now.
What do you see as the next phase of Abduction’s evolution?
It’s probably too early to tell at this moment. I think we should make art that is a reflection of ourselves at that point. When I’m at that point, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Is there anything else you want to say or add about the new album?
You are nothing.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jack Armstrong
