Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

Upon the listener’s engagement with the play button, the introductory track, Opacity, welcomes them with an appealing blend of groovy and intricate instrumentals accompanied by a forceful vocal introduction. This energetic atmosphere persists throughout the subsequent tracks, This Blood is Mine and On Deaf Ears, taking the listener on a lyrical journey, exploring themes of existentialism, insanity, morbidity, society, and politics.

Anomic represents a fresh experience in extreme metal for me, although one of its members is familiar. My focus lies not solely on the music itself but rather on the artistry and devilmanship involved, particularly the contributions of Raafrat from the band Paindemonium, which I have previously discussed. Raafrat demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft an album that resonates with the right artistic flair, a quality I noted in Paindemonium‘s latest single. For those unfamiliar with Paindemonium, they are a Portuguese melodic black metal band. A notable aspect of their recent work is the collaboration with guest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens, which exemplifies the level of artistry and devilmanship I am referring to.

Similarly, Anomic showcases Raafrat on guitar and shrieking vocals, collaborating with Fadi Massamiri, who not only provides bass and growl vocals but also takes charge of mixing and mastering. This brings a unique touch to the music, enhancing the overall heaviness and complexity. The session drums are performed by Krzysztof Klingbein (Vader (live) and Belphegor (live)) from the band Totenmesse, adding a layer of more aggressive, brutalization and complexity to the overall sound. Furthermore, the track On Deaf Ears features Stefan Nordström (Swedish doom/death metal band Soliloquium) on vocals, enriching the music with additional depth. This collaborative effort highlights the intricate devilmanship that defines both Anomic and Paindemonium, making them noteworthy contributions to the extreme metal genre.

Anomic emerges as a dynamic new force in the thrash/death metal scene, boasting just three tracks that unleash a ferocious and intricate soundscape. Opacity stands out with its relentless aggression, a sonic assault that promises to obliterate every fibre of your being. The instrumental arrangement showcases a labyrinth of intense guitar riffs, while the bass lines groove with complexity, establishing a robust foundation. The powerful drumming and piercing vocals cut through the mix, all wrapped in a polished production that elevates the listening experience to new heights.

Despite the brevity of their offering, Anomic packs a punch with a wealth of sound, structure, and composition—both lyrically and musically. The standout feature is the vocal prowess, which shines through with two distinct singing styles in the first two tracks, while a guest vocalist Stefan takes the reins for the final piece. This variety adds depth to their sound, showcasing the band’s versatility and commitment to crafting a fruit of art auditory journey.

Ultimately, Anomic not only meets expectations but exceeds them, delivering a compelling experience that resonates with fans of brutal, extreme, technical, old-school/modern, and aggressive music. From the very first note, the energy is palpable, ensuring that listeners are fully engaged and ready to headbang until the last chord fades away. This trio of tracks is a testament to the band’s artistry, compositions, and devilmanship, leaving a lasting impression that will undoubtedly get your adrenaline pumping.