Today we have the privilege of sharing an early stream of “Labyrinth of Distress” taken from ‘Dismal Thoughts‘ the debut full-length album from Brussels, Belgium-based death metal quintet ABYSMAL DESCENT. A newer collaboration between folks known for their work in Dehuman, Echo Solar Void, and Neptunian Maximalism these folks take inspiration from classic United States death metal in generating their own harrowing venture through a psyche under siege. Their work finds an incredible balance of brutality and atmospheric heft where both ‘old school’ canon and moderne technique meld to create a perilously swerving percussive attack. For my own taste it is one of the most substantial records of this month and a notable death metal record for 2025 in general.

We witness the brunt of their command via opener “Labyrinth of Distress” a song which greets the listener with vexation and grief, as the band comment: “Labyrinth of Distress is the testimony of a soul broken by the loss of a close, precious one—wandering alone through darkness, haunted by memories, trapped in grief, and searching for light in an endless void” and as suggested by the title this thought directly translates the core theme of ‘Dismal Thoughts‘: “Our album delves into the abyss of the soul, unraveling the sorrow born from the crushing inability to act as the world decays. From disgust to dread, from solitude to the void, we seek to explore every facet born of emptiness.“

Thanks goes out to Nuclear Winter Records, Abysmal Descent and their representation for the opportunity to share this song early. Scroll down to the Bandcamp embed below to finalize your descent… As always, please do your best to support the worldwide death metal underground and grab a copy on CD, vinyl and digitally this coming October 31st, 2025.:

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Per the Press Release:

From the depths of Brussels’ death metal underground rises ABYSMAL DESCENT, a new entity forged from the ashes of Dehuman and strengthened by the twisted visions of R.S., L.L. (Putrid Offal, Echo Solar Void, Terrifiant) and M.D. (Echo Solar Void). Soon joined by R.M. (Neptunian Maximalism) and A.L. (Saqra’s Cult), the band completed a sinister line-up dedicated to conjuring a harrowing requiem of death metal.

Their debut full-length, “Dismal Thoughts”, will be released via Nuclear Winter Records on October 31st, 2025 – a suitably unholy date for this descent into sonic darkness. Drawing inspiration from legendary forces such as Immolation, Morbid Angel, and Incantation, the album weaves a tapestry of gloom and malevolence, crushing riffs and abyssal atmospheres.

“Dismal Thoughts” is a testament to death metal’s most oppressive traditions: a record that drips with menace, channeling both the cavernous weight of old-school brutality and the suffocating dread of modern extremity. It is a soundtrack to decay, despair, and the shadows that loom ever closer.

Prepare to be engulfed.

Tracklist:

01. Discordant Calls
02. Labyrinth of Distress
03. Death Rope
04. Dismal Thoughts
05. Obscured Visions
06. Fragmented Soul
07. Abyss of Despair
08. Imaginal Horror

Line-up:

Laye Louhenapessy – Drums
Martin Dozot – Guitar
Rafaël Sellekaerts – Guitar
Romain Martini – Bass
Adrien Luxen – Vocals

ABYSMAL DESCENT

https://www.instagram.com/abysmaldescent/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557997834152

Nuclear Winter Records

https://nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://nuclearwinterrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions/

https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwinterrecords/

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