Two years since their last album, called “Vanitas”, British extreme metal duo Anaal Nathrakh are releasing yet another brand new full-length album. “Desideratum” is already the 8th studio album during the 16 years of Anaal Nathrakh’s existence. There are many ways one can describe Anaal Nathrakh’s music and none of those words would be precisely equivalent to sound. One thing for sure – it is very dark, extreme and apocalyptic with a crushing energy.
The album is a set of 11 apocalyptic, brutish and definitely Anaal Nathrakh trademarked soundtracks with a running time of almost 42 minutes. “Desideratum” starts with the long instrumental opening track “Acheronta Movebimus”, which is quite solemn and grows from slow to faster, preparing the listener for the darker and more aggressive tracks ahead. There is no doubt, that the band is strongly keeping their trademark sound and the album couldn’t be confused with anyone else. Despite this, the album is not for those who are looking for something new and innovative. “Desideratum” pretty much reminds me of the last two Anaal Nathrakh albums with the exception of the electronic bits, which gave the opus a slight industrial edge.
The remaining ten tracks are pure evil with some melodic riffs, clean vocals and electro-industrial elements in between. It is a top quality product, very enjoyable and will be even better live. Although, this set lacks some more memorable tracks that would make “Desidaretum” stand out among the solid Anaal Nathrakh discography. Masterfully recorded, finished and polished album from the Anaal Nathrakh camp, which will be most likely loved by most of the faithful band fans. One more thing to add – this album does not contain songs which would have quite brutal or uncensored titles, unlike the previous albums. Looks calm… before the storm?
Reviewers pick: after several times going listening album in the repeat mode, the title track “Desideratum” and “The Joystream”stand out. the second of which has an interesting and attention catching second part of the song.
“Desideratum” by Anaal Nathrakh will face the daylight on 28th of October, 2014 via Metal Blade Records.
Track list:
Acheronta Movebimus
Unleash
Monstrum in Animo
The One Thing Needful
A Firm Foundation of Unyielding Despair
Desideratum
Idol
Sub Specie Aeterni (Of Maggots, and Humanity)
The Joystream
Ita Mori
Anaal Nathrakh are:
Mick Kenney – guitars/bass/programming
David Hunt AKA V.I.T.R.I.O.L – vocals
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