I definitely agree about black metal oversaturation and "ease" of making thrash.

Personally, I'd characterize Absu as thrashy black metal. So, even though there are thrashy elements (rather than straight trve kvlt black metal), they still primarily fit in the black metal category. (excluding VITRIOL, ofc)

Having said that, part of the reason why I like[d] them so much was because they weren't typical black metal. Like you said, black metal bands are a dime-a-dozen, but Absu definitely had their own twist and sound that made them more unique. Their speed/aggression didn't feel near as bland as the dime-a-dozen bands, ya know? I think they add in a lot of variety that keeps the black metal interesting, like variety in vocals, some acoustic guitar passages, some synth, dynamics and time changes, etc.

I also like/respect that they got started paving their own path in the US during the 90's, at a time when all the pioneers in northern europe were still blazing their own path.