I think it’s pretty safe to say that here in the States black metal is as popular as it ever has been and probably ever will be once the trend breaks. This sentiment is especially true for all of the obviously Burzum inspired acts for which the atmospheric, suicidal, funeral, etc.. tag can be applied and that seem to wash up on our shores and spring from the bedrooms of anyone with a tiny amp, distortion pedal, and a computer. At this point, it’s getting harder and harder to separate the weak from the stalwart as happens when any genre becomes over-saturated, so it’s always refreshing when you come across something that actually stands out. Such is the debut album from the German misanthropists Anti, a two man group consisting of Anti, the mysterious man behind the programming of all the instruments, and A. Krieg, of Eternity and Hellfucked fame, handling all vocal duties. Where almost every new band fails in trying to convey pure depressive atmosphere and ambience, Anti succeeds in ways not thought possible. All of the standard elements are there: repetitious melodic distorted guitar, raspy shrieks, dirty digital drums, and lyrics sure to ruin anyone’s day, but the duo do all of this with such surgical efficiency and adeptness that it’s slightly unsettling. Every second of each track seems carefully weighed and measured and put in exactly the correct sequence for maximum effect. From the gentle wave-breaking intro into the explosion of the first track, “Nothing,” to the infectious melodies of “Landscape in Minor” and “Invocation,” to the slow haunting solos that exist throughout (particularly on (Mourning Soul”), nothing seems out of place or included to waste time or show off, yet at no time is it predictable. The result is a cold, concise (perhaps too much so at only 30 minutes), and utterly brilliant debut album that will be near the top of my year end list come December. Expect great things from these guys if they choose to continue making music together.
