Sophomore Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 23rd, 2026
Bay Area death/thrash metal force Absolute Darkness has released their third single, “Above The Law,” from their forthcoming sophomore album, “Witness To A Dying World,” due out on October 23, 2026.
Following the release of the war-torn “Attritional Warfare” and the opioid crisis-focused “Snake Oil,” the new single continues the album’s exploration of power, corruption, and the human consequences of societal collapse. Combining razor-sharp thrash riffs, melodic guitar harmonies, blistering solos, and uncompromising aggression, “Above The Law”.
“This is probably the most collaborative song on the album. Everyone contributed ideas that found their way into the final version, making it one of the most enjoyable songs to write,” says Ron Dorn (Guitar / Lead Vocals).
Musically, “Above The Law” wastes no time launching into high-speed death/thrash intensity before opening into a dynamic mid-section that showcases layered guitar harmonies and a standout solo from Douglas Vetter II. The track ultimately drives back into a powerful final chorus, highlighting the band’s balance of aggression and memorable songwriting.
Lyrically, the song examines the mindset of an individual who believes themselves completely immune from consequences.
“It’s told from the perspective of someone who believes they’re completely untouchable. They abuse their power, blame everyone else for their actions, and don’t even bother trying to hide what they’re doing because they don’t believe there will ever be consequences,” explains Dorn.
Watch “Above The Law” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Formed in 2015, Absolute Darkness has built its reputation by merging the Bay Area thrash traditions of Testament, Vio-lence, and Exodus with the crushing aggression of Death, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth. The band’s sound combines relentless riffs, layered guitar work, memorable solos, and socially conscious storytelling that addresses subjects many artists avoid.
“Witness To A Dying World” marks a significant milestone for the band. While 2021’s “Failure Of State” represented a leap forward in songwriting and production, the upcoming album is the first Absolute Darkness release written collaboratively by the current lineup from beginning to end.
The album explores themes of corruption, authoritarianism, propaganda, war, addiction, homelessness, exploitation, and social decay through character-driven narratives rather than direct political commentary. Musically, it expands on the band’s trademark blend of thrash metal, melodic death metal, and traditional death metal while emphasizing memorable melodies, harmonized guitars, and dynamic arrangements. In addition to ten original tracks, “Witness To A Dying World” includes a cover of “World In A World” by legendary Bay Area thrash pioneers Vio-lence.
For band founder Ron Dorn, the song carries a particularly personal significance. Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the rise of the thrash movement, Dorn attended shows featuring Vio-lence, Death Angel, and Forbidden while those bands were still establishing their legacy.
Rather than reinventing the classic, Absolute Darkness approached the cover as a tribute, remaining faithful to the original arrangement while incorporating the band’s modern production and heavier vocal approach.
Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, “Witness To A Dying World” will be available on October 23rd, 2026.
Album pre-order – https://absolutedarkness1.
Track Listing:
1. Above The Law – 3:56
2. Attritional Warfare – 3:50
3. World Decay – 3:28
4. Snake Oil – 4:14
5. Different Illegally – 3:33
6. Loyalty To Me – 3:32
7. I Guess I Die – 3:59
8. Big Lies – 3:51
9. Extreme Accountability – 3:34
10. World In A World (Vio-lence Cover) – 4:13
Album Length: 38:21
Band Lineup:
Ron Dorn – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals
Orson Sojo – Bass
Scott Russell – Drums
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