Belgian death metal juggernauts Aborted have been slicing their name into the flesh of the extreme metal world since the mid-’90s. From the raw chaos of The Purity of Perversion through to the surgical precision of Goremageddon, the gore-grind-meets-death-metal brutality of Retrogore, and their latest horror-inspired masterpiece Vault of Horrors — Aborted have built a legacy drenched in blood, technicality, and twisted storytelling.
Now, frontman Sven de Caluwé and the Aborted crew are set to unleash hell across Australia this January 2026 as part of the Archspire “Return to Prison Island Tour”, alongside New Zealand slam monsters Organectomy, and appearances at both Froth & Fury Festival events in Perth and Adelaide.
Vault of Horrors: Extreme Metal Meets Cinematic Terror
In our chat, Sven dove deep into the creation of Vault of Horrors — a record that feels like a death metal horror anthology. Drawing influence from horror cinema and sound design, the band worked with Canadian sound designer Spencer Kriggan to weave orchestral and cinematic layers into their sonic massacre.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a really long time,” Sven said. “We’ve always had horror in the lyrics and visuals, but I wanted to bring it into the soundscape — to make it part of the experience.”
The album also featured a stacked lineup of guest artists — from Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse) to Johnny Ciardullo (Carcosa / AngelMaker) and Ben Duerr (Shadow of Intent). Sven laughed about the chaos of scheduling so many musicians but emphasized how each one brought their own personality to the mix.
“It was like half old school, half new blood — just like the horror films that inspired it,” he said. “Some are classics, some are obscure slashers, but they all fit the mood.”
Collaborations and Creeping Horrors
Aborted didn’t slow down after Vault of Horrors. Sven appeared on Necrotted’s brutal single “Deus Ex” and dropped the standalone track “The Pain Will Be Exquisite” about eight months after the album release — a strategic move to keep the energy alive.
“People have the attention span of a potato in a microwave,” Sven joked. “We wanted to drop something later to pull everyone back in — and it worked.”
Return to Prison Island & Froth and Fury Fest 2026
The upcoming Return to Prison Island Tour marks Aborted’s long-awaited return to Australian soil — and their first-ever festival shows in the country. Sven’s excitement was palpable.
“We’ve never done festivals in Australia before, so Froth & Fury is going to be something special,” he said. “We’re bringing sports to the stage — everyone better get in shape! And hanging with our mates in Archspire and Organectomy? It’s going to be wild.”
With Froth & Fury expanding into Perth for 2026 and boasting a monstrous lineup featuring Abbath, Soulfly, Nailbomb, and more, Sven called it “the perfect festival lineup — packed with friends and absolute chaos.”
As for what fans can expect? A mix of the band’s biggest anthems and their horror-infused new material from Vault of Horrors.
“There’s no such thing as a best hit in death metal — besides ‘Hammer Smashed Face’,” Sven laughed. “But we’re bringing a bit of everything from across the years.”
🎟️ Tour Dates:
Jan 24 – Perth (Froth & Fury Fest) Froth and Fury Fest Tickets on Sale now!
Jan 27 – Melbourne (The Croxton)
Jan 28 – Brisbane (The Triffid)
Jan 29 – Canberra (The Baso)
Jan 30 – Sydney (Liberty Hall)
Jan 31 – Adelaide (Froth & Fury Fest) Froth and Fury Fest Tickets on Sale now!
Strictly limited VIP Meet And Greet Experience available at Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra & Sydney only!
GA & VIP TICKETS ON SALE NOW at: PERTH – www.ticketmaster.com.au MELBOURNE, CANBERRA – www.oztix.com.au BRISBANE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE – www.moshtix.com.au
Death Metal Legacy and Halloween Mayhem
When asked how Aborted fits into today’s extreme metal landscape, Sven reflected on the band’s balance of aggression, atmosphere, and fun.
“We’ve always tried to balance energy and technicality,” he said. “We like to have fun, do dumb stuff with the audience, and just make it an experience.”
And since it’s spooky season, Sven shared his horror movie habits — a film-a-day tradition through October.
“I just rewatched I Know What You Did Last Summer — still a dumpster fire,” he laughed. “Next up, all the Nightmare on Elm Street movies. Freddy’s a legend.”
Don’t Miss Aborted in Australia
The Vault of Horrors has opened — and Sven’s advice to fans was simple:
“Don’t be a shit cunt. Buy your goddamn tickets and see you at the show.”
Catch Aborted on the Return to Prison Island Tour this January 2026 with Archspire and Organectomy, and witness their brutal live return at Froth & Fury Festival in Perth and Adelaide.
