Found by way of random bands, this is the kind of black metal I like. Satan, razor-sharp riffs, skittery, evil-tinged drums. After spending the past few days getting back into Marduk and Gorgoroth, I feel right at home in the company of Anthro Halaust's Triumph of Satan!, from all the way back in 2013. An approach to black metal both bestial and melodic, it's the kind of release that reminds one that black metal didn't end in the nineties.
The production is black metal production--raw, cold, uninviting. If someone asked me for a good example of what I like about black metal, I wouldn't hesitate to include this release along with Opus Nocturne, Under the Sign of Hell and Thy Mighty Contract. There are good doses of sublime melody here hidden beneath the absolutely nasty atmosphere. The vocals are pitched in an unintelligible, howling screech--perfect, exactly what I want from this kind of album. There are some moments where, instead of shrieking, the vocalist chants in a low voice, in a manner reminiscent of a Satanic priest or cult leader. Very creepy, very effective, quite a good element of contrasting dynamics.
Although most of it is ripping, thrashing, face-melting black metal assaults, the opening of "IV" (all tracks are untitled save for Roman numerals, with the exception of track six, aptly named "Victory 666") showcases the more atmospheric, meditative side of Anthro Halaust, with an absolutely gorgeous clean section before transitioning into the kind of introspective black metal I know and love by way of works such as Emperor's In the Nightside Eclipse. This was a refreshing change from the harder edge of the preceding material, and really shows off this band's range.
The aforementioned "Victory 666" is the other relevant highlight of the album, a gripping, melancholic soundscape equal parts seductive and haunting. Slow, piercing arpeggiated lines ripple over a constantly shifting pattern of rather tasteful, moody drums, all accompanied by spoken voice samples that, unfortunately, I don't understand, not being able to speak the language--I can only review it on the basis of the overall effect, and the overall effect is wonderful. This is a black metal band that knows how to set a mood, and knows how to show off their versatility as players and composers. Everything here was put in place by a mix of careful deliberation and artistic inspiration, as if channeling a demon by way of ritual magick. The album's title, Triumph of Satan!, feels like an apt description of the listening experience. The whole thing is like a celebration of the sound and spirit of Satanic black metal. A musical representation of Satan. Who wouldn't want that? Metal bands have been writing about Satan forever--and whether or not you take it seriously, you have to admit that Satan is Metal, in its very essence.
Overall, this album came as the best kind of surprise one can find when listening to random bands on the internet. I've never been much of a black metal fan, but this was exactly the kind of black metal album I can get into, and I'm happy to recommend it, especially given its apparent obscurity. Hopefully this won't be their last release. A great combination of melancholic moods and hard-edged metal riffs, it's a stellar example of its style without the baggage of some of the more well-known bands in the genre.
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
