Candlelight Records today confirms the upcoming release of a special deluxe version of ABSU’s popular self-titled album. Set for American release January 26, the limited edition format will include a bonus live DVD that was filmed in Montreal amidst the band’s first stateside tour in nearly eight years. The band recently kicked off a European tour, with support coming from Norwegian label mates Pantheon-I, Australia/England’s Razor of Occam (featuring members of Destroyer 666), and American-based Zoroaster, bringing their highly regarded and self-described “mythological occult metal” to stages for their long-time European fans.

Released in February of this year, the J.T. Longoria (King Diamond, Solitude Aerternus) produced Absu features the trio with an all-star array of guest musicians and showcases the unique graphics of Belgian artist Kris Verwimp. It is the first album from the band released via England’s Candlelight Records, all previous records released by French independent Osmose Productions. In its first month of release, it was pressed three times as fans rushed out to buy the record which held the number two spot on CMJ/College Music Journal’s Loud Rock chart for three consecutive weeks. Terrorizer called the album, “a sound incarnate of a band making the underground amazing again… an undeniable masterpiece.” KNAC.com claimed it, “a captivating album that weaves together black metal, death metal, prog and Sumerian legend into one awe-inspiring package.” Metalsucks.net added, “the crux of Absu is a ridiculously tight band playing perhaps their best songs ever.”

Prior to the start of rehearsals for the ongoing European tour, ABSU announced the addition of session lead guitarist Vis Crom to the group’s ranks. He replaces Zawicizuz, who was recently dismissed due to irreconcilable differences. Drummer/vocalist Proscriptor said of the replacement, “we are extremely thrilled to welcome Vis Crom as the newest touring musician of Absu. He has proven to be a conquering performer and we’re delighted to convey our next live chapters with him.”

ABSU first came to international prominence with the release of their debut, Barathrum: VITRIOL in 1992. Originally released via Gothic Records, the label later licensed the record to France’s Osmose Productions (Immortal, Enslaved, Marduk). ABSU would establish a solid relationship with the label and thus release all later recordings via the renowned metal independent, including the highly regarded 2001 Tara. In 2007 the band would announce a new partnership with London-based Candlelight Records. The trio spent 2008 writing and recording the thirteen songs that includes new fan favorites “Night Fire Canonization, “Amy,” and “Girra’s Temple.”

Remaining dates on ABSU’s current European tour include:

10/21/2009 Zbau, Nurnberg (Germany)

10/22/2009 Conne Island, Leipzig (Germany)

10/23/2009 K19, Kassel (Germany)

10/24/2009 Chmelnice, Prague (Czech Republic)

10/25/2009 Durer Kert, Budapest (Hungary)

10/26/2009 Arena, Wien (Austria)

10/27/2009 Gala Hala (Ljubljana (Slovenia)

10/28/2009 Feierwerk, Munchen (Germany)

10/29/2009 Spazio 211, Turin (Italy)

10/30/2009 Dynamo Werk 21, Zurich (Switzerland)

10/31/2009 Glazart, Paris (France)

11/01/2009 Rock City, Nottingham (England)

11/02/2009 Moho Live, Manchester (England)

11/03/2009 Underworld, London (England)

11/04/2009 Academy 2, Dublin (Ireland)

11/05/2009 White Rabbit, Plymouth (England)

11/06/2009 JH De Klinker, Aarschot (Belgium)

11/07/2009 Watt, Rotterdam (Holland)