Absolute Jav

Reading Absolute Design's credits, it would be easy to assume that the 2007 debut release by Engel contains either death metal or black metal (or perhaps a combination of the two). Founded by guitarist Niclas Engelin (who was with In Flames in the late '90s), this Swedish band also includes drummer Daniel "Mojjo" Moilanen, formerly of Lord Belial; on top of that, Engel's first official full-length album was produced by Anders Fridén (known for his work as In Flames' lead singer) and Daniel Bergstrand (who has produced In Flames)…

The Noisemakers, Bruce Hornsby's regular backing band since 2002, aren't credited on 2019's Absolute Zero, which should be an indication that the album is a bit of a departure from the other records he's made during the 21st century. While the Noisemakers haven't avoided adventure, Absolute Zero feels as if it was made without any regard to boundaries, either in terms of style or approach. Such fearlessness is evident from the outset, when the record kicks off with a dexterous rhythm suitable for a vintage post-bop session, but it's too reductive to call Absolute Zero an odyssey into straight jazz.