A Black Metal 1 band from Italy. On June 6th, 2023, Anguana 2 released their second EP album, Suman, where folk tunes, black metal savagery and transcendental synths merge, which would gratify fans of Brünndl and Exterminatas. The album was released through Nykta Records.
Introduction:
Anguana, Suman: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Suman
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Anguana and their album, Suman.
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Features melodic riffage and solos, tremolo pickings with folk tunes and transcendental synths merge. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Involves raw high-pitched (anguish cries) screams. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into the vast world of hell-bound drumming with blast beats.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion: Where folk tunes, black metal savagery and transcendental synths merge
Before delving into the music and the review, we must address to the reader/listener, that the album in question doesn’t adhere to a specific concept; however, it revolves around historical events from the 15th to the 17th century. The lyrics of the songs are written in a poetic form and feature metaphors that may be challenging to comprehend at times, just like the previous EP. For this reason, a word-for-word translation of the lyrics was not feasible.
When the listener hits the play button, the listener is welcomed with the instrumental opening track Caxera which starts with the sound of the wind and tremolo harmonica. This leads to the melodious and fluid riffs of the second piece 1575, followed by a raw and aggressive blackened sound.
As we move on to the third piece, Suman, the listener is greeted with three songs. Two of these songs are instrumental, while the remaining ones have an early aggressive and adrenaline-filled sound similar to Burzum and Mayhem, with a hint of atmospheric folk/black metal running through the musical veins.
Anguana‘s cold and raw sound is genuinely haunting, with impressive guitar and drum artistry, including melodic riffage and solos, tremolo picking, and hell-bound drumming with blast beats. The excellent raw high-pitched (anguish cries) screams and folkloric atmosphere add to the devilishly crafted sound, while the subtle incorporation of vocal harmonies enhances the overall experience. Anguana‘s production is dark and cold yet mixed beautifully with an atmospheric touch that perfectly blends modern and old-school black metal. Combining all these elements creates a truly unique and unforgettable experience that will satisfy even the most discerning metal fans.
As the fourth segment of the musical composition commences, the skilled instrumentalists expertly craft a serene chord progression. This harmonious and peaceful introduction sets the perfect stage for the emotional journey that is to come. As the piece progresses, it intensifies and unleashes a powerful, aggressive energy that captivates the listener.
The atmosphere this musical fruit of art creates is exceptional and leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
The music of Anguana is a fruit of art that offers a unique blend of tempos, moods, and atmosphere that will satisfy the tastes of old-school and modern black/extreme and folk/pagan metal fans.
The album comes to an end with the last song, Sento E Sento Ore Al CiaroI De Luna. The closing piece greets the listener with a composition of enthralling synth keys and an unsettling soundscape that evokes a sense of unease like a horror film score. Overall, the track serves as a stunning finale to the entire album.
We want to give a shoutout to Anguana for letting us review their album, Suman. Now, we’re going to wrap it up by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins, our thoughts on Anguana and their album, Suman
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia: Is that for us, The captivating style of Anguana‘s black metal is unique, enriched with atmospheric and folkloric tales that add depth and intrigue to their sound.
Anguana delivers Pagan Black Metal of their own, forged in traditions and tales from the Venetic lands and sung in the native language. Again, Anguana‘s EP is a must-listen for any atmospheric/old-school (or modern) pagan/folk black metal fan.
Their remarkable talent deserves recognition, and their music will inspire and take you on a journey through the mysteries and a poetic experience. I found the release incredibly enjoyable, and it was on repeat for quite some time.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
I’m unsure about the artwork. But it captures this isolated atmosphere.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Anguana, and their album Suman.
This concludes the Anguana, Suman review.
Track-Listing:
- Caxera
- 1575
- Suman
- S-ciona
- Croxara
- Sento E Sento Ore Al CiaroI De Luna
Anguana is:
- Bestia drums
- S. – guitars, bass, keyboards, tremolo harmonica & backing vocals)
- Necromorg – vocals
- The band is part of the Venetic Black Metal Front and manages to capture the spirit of the old days and ways!. ↩︎
- Their name is inspired by the water nymphs found in the alpine region ↩︎
