Review : ANAAL NATHRAKH – “In The Constellation of The Black Widow”

Anaal Nathrakh – In The Constellation of The Black Widow
Release Date: 2009Jul14 (US)
Label: Candlelight Records
Rating: 4/5

Dredging grim melodies from a cold, dense din is a charge for the brave. The British duo is more than up to the task on their fifth album, their first for Candlelight Records.

In certain respects, they remind me of fellow countrymen Mithras, with their use of several vocal styles, harmonized brutality, celestial themes, and two group members. However, these guys are much more abrasive, but with just as much attention to detail. All instrument work is infectiously crafted by Mick Kenney, and the vocals are helmed by Dave Hunt (a.k.a. V.I.T.R.I.O.L.), who runs the gamut from unintelligible distorted barks to blackened rasps to soaring wails (the latter surface on “More of Fire than Blood”, “So Be It”, “The Lucifer Effect” and the title track).

A Best of 2009 pick!
FCC: 8, 9
Try *1*, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

01. In the Constellation of the Black Widow
02. I Am the Wrath of Gods and the Desolation of the Earth Music
03. More of Fire Than Blood
04. The Unbearable Filth of the Soul
05. Terror in the Mind of God
06. So Be It
07. The Lucifer Effect
08. Oil Upon the Sores of Lepers
09. Satanarchrist
10. Blood Eagles Carved on the Backs of Innocents