Artist: THE ABSENCE
Album: RIDERS OF THE PLAGUE (CD)

Release date: 2007
Media type: CD

Many fans still mourn the fact that the once-glorious Tampa death metal scene fell apart at the beginning of the new millennium. Not so the members of THE ABSENCE. Drawing strength from the former metal hotspot’s temporary weakness, the band sparked a new era in the Tampa scene. With more European – especially Swedish – influences, the band pays tribute to their heroes like AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES and IRON MAIDEN, without ever denying the death metal roots that bind them to their home. That’s why THE ABSENCE also cite brutal death metal masters like CANNIBAL CORPSE here and there, which enables them to appeal to an enormous target group.

After the release of their strong debut “From Your Grave” the band toured their home country with big names like CANNIBAL CORPSE, SIX FEET UNDER, UNEARTH, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MASTODON and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, prevailing in front of all these fundamentally diverse audiences.

Their sophomore album, “Riders Of The Plague”, which boasts guest appearances by James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT), Jonas Kjellgren, Per Nilsson (both SCAR SYMMETRY) and Jonas Granvik (EDGE OF SANITY) and was mixed by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge Studios (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE, CENTINEX), shows a developed and matured band that is ready to make their way to the top.

TRACKLIST:

1. Riders of the plague
2. Dead and gone
3. The murder
4. Echos
5. World devides
6. Prosperity (instrumental)
7.
8. Awakening
9. Merciless
10. Into the pit (Testament Cover)
11. The victorious dead
12. Outro

LINE-UP:

Jamie Stuwart- Voals
Patrick Pintavalle – Lead Guitars/Vocals
Peter Joseph – Lead Guitars
Jeramie Kling - Drums