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The beginning of 2021 was the last time Annisokay last gave us an official release with their outstanding record Aurora, and although a lot has changed in the world in the last two years, you will be pleased to find out that the German heavyhitters are just as uncompromisingly good. Recharged and regrouped, the outfit return to prime form with their latest EP Abyss Pt 1 as a powerful statement and a reminder that they remain one of the most exciting bands at the European modern metal scene, still leading the pack in style.
With its breathtaking six tracks, the EP casts a shadows over more than a few full records from this year. As far as EP releases go, Abyss Pt 1 easily stands above the crowd by a long shot, blending a hefty dose of groovy modern metalcore with aethereal synths and dystopian atmosphere for a truly exemplary piece of contemporary heavy music. And as far as single drops for 2023 go, none beats the post-apocalyptic grandeur of the lead track and certified banger 'Human' as the perfect representation of what Abyss Pt 1 is all about.
Legacy acts like Rammstein and current international sensation like Electric Callboy aside, you would struggle to find a German band that has been as consistent, stable and constantly evolving in the last decade as Annisokay. Ignore the fact that their driving force Christoph Wieczorek and his Sawdust Records remain at the heart of the regional scene, involved in just about every modern release for Arising Empire and other local outlets, but the band as a whole demonstrates an admirable growth as a unit with Chris and drummer Nico Veen relentlessly pushing them forward, fully embracing the outstanding vocal range of Rudy Shwarzer and seamlessly integrating their newest addition Peter Leukhardt on bass.
With regards to its themes and dominant atmosphere, Abyss Pt 1 pretty much continues where Aurora left off, musically and lyrically. As relevant and relatable as always, Annisokay once again tackle humanity's unstoppable charge towards inevitable self-destruction, social and ethical paradoxes, criminal environmental decay, and the fine balance between life and death. The conflicting feelings of anxiety, rage and hope are beautifully delivered by the soaring highs of Christoph and Rudy's thunderous screams, equally powerfull and iconic, and fittingly backed by the band's signature expressive, passionate and intense compositions.
The EP flows logically and expands as a well structured and captivating novel. The vast cinematic soundscape of the opening 'Into the Abyss' subtly leads to the stomping headbanging feast that is the already discussed mammoth of a modern metal single 'Human'. What follows is the new single 'Ultraviolet' that not only fits perfectly between the rest of the tracks, but also adds an extra flavour to an otherwise very multifaceted release. In the second half we are presented with the emotionally charged 'Throne of the Sunset' and its almost opposing and contagiously upbeat 'Calamity', a brilliant cover of Leony's 'Remedy'. And then there is 'Time', finally finding its real purpose as the conclusion this EP deserves.
Although similar in stylistic direction and explored narratives, Abyss Pt 1 is bigger, better and bolder than Aurora in every aspect, and I say this with the utmost respect of someone who did put their previous record amongst 2021's Top 10. Annisokay demonstrate maturity on both professional and personal level and if this is just one half of an upcoming album, than the full Abyss LP is bound to be phenomenal and another certain AOTYH contender..
Annisokay - Abyss Pt 1
Country: Germany
Released: 22 September 2023
Label: Arising Empire
Tracklisting:
1. 'Into The Abyss'
2. 'Human'
3. 'Ultraviolet'
4. 'Throne of the Sunset'
5. 'Calamity'
6. 'Time'
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