Texas metal outfit Awaiting Abigail makes a fascinating comeback with “BAD MIND”, a cathartic alt-metal anthem that channels the turbulence of mental health struggles into a defiant musical uprising. The six-piece collective, formed by reunited school friends and bolstered by a father-daughter duo, delivers a technically charged yet emotionally raw statement that establishes them as urgent new voices in underground metal.
From its opening bars, “BAD MIND” announces its uncompromising vision through a bold 7/4 groove that immediately unsettles expectations. The track masterfully balances metallic fury with melodic sophistication – Heather Hammonds’ razor-sharp vocals slice through verses of eerie reflection before exploding into a chorus of crushing catharsis. The father-daughter guitar team of Mike and Kori Tolfa weave a tapestry of punishing riffs and harmonic tension, while the halftime breakdown lands with seismic impact.
What elevates this beyond typical metal fare is the band’s nuanced approach to their weighty subject matter. As they explain: “The answer to overcoming [mental illness] is internal – just put one step in front of the other.” This wisdom permeates the track’s structure – the contrast between brooding verses and volcanic release mirrors the daily battle against internal demons. Justin Paul’s accompanying music video (via Dreadscope Films) promises to amplify this visceral intensity.
Awaiting Abigail doesn’t just arrive – they detonate onto the scene with “BAD MIND”. This is metal with both brains and brawn, offering moshpit fuel and psychological depth in equal measure. A thrilling debut from a band poised to shake the underground.
