Label: Chaos Records
Genre: Black Metal
Length: 41:45
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As the year draws to a close, let's delve into the world of Italian black metal band An-Xul's debut album. Formed in 2023, the band unveiled their eponymous debut beast in November 2024 via Mexican label Chaos Records, available in digital and CD format. Recorded and mixed in February 2024, this 11-track album has a total running time of 41 minutes and 41 seconds, and transports us into a dark, occult atmosphere,
The general mood of the album is dominated by a cold, dark atmosphere. The compositions balance between fast (throughout the album) and louder moments. The keyboards, sometimes simple but always effective, add melodic depth to compositions that might otherwise be lost in frenetic chaos. Descent Through a Ghostly Maelstrom, for example, where the keyboard lends a certain structure to a raging instrumental avalanche. The bass, meanwhile, plays an essential role in anchoring the whole in a dense, resonant soundscape, as in Where the Moonlight Dies.
The vocals on this release are a real signature: powerful, muffled, almost spectral, they seem to emerge from abyss. This vocal approach, combined with frequent rhythmic variations, creates a palpable tension throughout the album. We Are the Creeping Plague is a good example of this balance between frenzy and atmosphere; after a frantic introduction, the track slows down to immerse itself in an almost meditative atmosphere before picking up again.
Among my standout tracks on this album. Abandon God is without doubt my favourite: its melodic introduction gives way to a brutal acceleration, and the scream at 1:27, enveloped in an cold atmosphere, literally captivated me. Later, a transition at 2:17 leads into a disturbing and malvolent atmosphere, where melody and brutality coexist harmoniously. Follow the Left Hand Path also captivated me with its nuances: it starts gently before plunging into a fast-paced frenzy, all driven by powerful vocals. Finally, Raise My Throne Above the Stars stands out for its dynamic construction, oscillating between heavy rhythms and fast passages, and the chilling scream at the end of the first minute is remarkable.
Despite a certain repetitiveness in the riffs, this album is not lacking in variety. An-Xul manage to maintain interest with well-placed rhythmic transitions and intelligent use of atmosphere. At times, death metal (particularly in the drums) elements subtly creep into the songwritting, adding an extra layer of brutality.
Finally, An-Xul is an album that exudes arrogance and occultism. It's black metal that's both traditional and daring, with a production that's raw enough to please purists and an atmospheric richness that will catch the ear of fans of nuance. For a debut album, the band has struck hard, leaving me eagerly awaiting their future creations.