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ANAAL NATHRAKH
www.myspace.com/anaalnathrakh
If ever someone tells you that what you listen to is nothing but noise, you can always shut them up them by playing a sample of Anaal Nathrakh. At least, that used to be the case (and why I never really warmed to them). ‘In the Constellation of the Black Widow’, which I love as a title, retains the usual industrial noise and death metal core of the past, but adds for the first time (at least to my ears) a defined sense of melody. The title track itself has some wonderful grind elements, although I'm not too sure about the demented laughing (it almost sounds comical). The clean singing isn't to my taste, but it's effective nonetheless. Production-wise, this is the best I've heard Anaal Nathrakh; not exceptionally polished, but a very effective and appropriate sound. There are some issues, in that it can seem at times to be very overwhelming listening to this much cacophony. But, then Anaal Nathrakh are madness incarnate (the mental affliction, as opposed to the Suggs-related shit-boat). Finally, I find it hard to understand why so much processing was used on the vocal tracks when, clearly, VITRIOL has a keen set of pipes on him. Still, it goes with the territory I guess; I just think my own enjoyment could have been elevated by some unaltered screaming. However, you have to commend their originality, and I certainly won't be marking them down for it. Fans of the band may feel betrayed by this latest release, but I hope that the majority will embrace the changes that have been made; as Anaal Nathrakh may have converted me this time around, so too may others who have, so far, cared less for them. A very welcome release and one that they should be proud of.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Candlelight Records
Album
IN THE CONSTELLATION OF THE BLACK WIDOW
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Review by Steve Cowan
RUNNING TIME:
34:31
RELEASE DATE:
29th June 2009
TRACK LISTING
1) In the Constellation of the Black Widow
2) I Am the Wrath of Gods and the Desolation of the Eath Music
3) More of Fire than Blood
4) The Unbearable Filth of the Soul
5) Terror in the Mind of God
6) So Be It
7) The Lucifer Effect
8) Oil Upon the Sores of Lepers
9) Satanarchrist
10) Blood Eagles Carved on the Backs of Innocents
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...Anaal Nathrakh are madness incarnate..."