Anaal Nathrakh - In the Constellation of the Black Widow

October 3, 2009

Reviewer: Jesse

When a band makes a statement before the release of their new album claiming that the new material is either “going back to the roots” or will be a combination of *insert critically-acclaimed album title here* and some other album in their discography, you have to take such pronouncements with a grain of salt.  I mean, how many times have we all heard that and been substantially disappointed or let down?  Well, when Anaal Nathrakh mentioned that the material being written for their new album, In the Constellation of the Black Widow would be more in the vein of their debut album, The Codex Necro, they weren’t just blowing smoke up our asses, they were dead serious.

If I might do the obligatory “album + album = new album,” then I’d have to say that In the Constellation of the Black Widow is clearly a perfect union of The Codex Necro and Hell is Empty and All the Devils are Here.  The insanely furious song-writing is back along with the clean vocals that have been sneaking their way into the songs since Eschaton and the ultra-distorted, high-pitched screams from the debut album are in full, ear-piercing force.  Aside from the vocals, it’s an impressive feat they pull off in blending the hyper-speed and the catchy riff together.  A lot of that is probably due to the production tools that they’re now in the position to enjoy that they might not have been back in 2001.

Right off the bat on the title track, the dual vocal styles are present and share enough of the spotlight to ensure you that this specific element is here to stay.  On the previous two albums, more so on Hell is Empty, the songs weren’t quite as frenzied and the songs were more riff-oriented, so the clean vocals had more of a stage to be audible and clear.  On In the Constellation, the majority of the songs are brutally fast and chaotic, yet the clean singing is still recognizable and doesn’t get too drowned out.  It’s a tad awkward for a few seconds because, musically, it’s so reminiscent of The Codex Necro that you might have imagined that they would leave them out.  The pace is fairly consistent throughout the album with a few exceptions like “The Unbearable Filth of the Soul” which is a staccato-riffed, slower song but sill pummeling and heavy. Another track which utilizes this aspect is “The Lucifer Effect” yet is much faster and has a great section of clean chorus and a catchy riff midway through the song.  “Oil Upon the Sores of Lepers” could be easily labeled as the contrast song, except that it comes toward the end of the album.  It might be the weakest song on the album only because it’s such a simple structure that you hear used in many ways in many other metal bands and the charm to Anaal Nathrakh is the furious insanity and not this sort of basic song structure.  “Satanarchist” is probably the most well-rounded track in terms of catchiness, speed and heaviness and I can see it being played live from now on in their shows.

Anaal Nathrakh are continuing to find ways to evolve without shedding the skin that got them to this point.  There really aren’t any other bands doing what they do which is quite the statement in this age of extreme metal.  I think a lot of people out there, while maybe not necessarily looking forward to it, are waiting for them to alter their sound to a more mainstream style or do something “out of the box” and at this point, I’m confident in saying that that just isn’t going to happen.

Release Date: June 29th, 2009
Label: Candleight Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  In the Constellation of
      the Black Widow
2.  I Am the Wrath of Gods and
      the Desolation of the Earth
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

Total playing time: 34:31

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: