Annisokay - 'Abyss Pt II'

BACKGROUND. I love starting every review of Annisokay's latest release by saying that they remain one of the most criminally underrated bands in Europe, which might also be part of the appeal. For all their contribution to the German underground, inseparable connection to the metalcore sound of the continent, and their consistently brilliant music output, they should be much bigger on an international level but sadly, the wider metal community is yet to start following my lead. Regardless, this does not seem to stop Annisokay, once again returning to the very top of the euro-core scene with a blistering second installment of the Abyss EP series.

BAND. There is not much to be said outside of what has already been discussed around their exemplary mid-pandemic classic Aurora (2021) and previous Abyss Pt I (2023) release. Through extremely hard work, persistence and determination, Annisokay have reached a deserved place where they have only themselves to please and nothing to prove to anyone. Maintaining the highest possible standard and setting the bar insanely high for their Arising Empire label mates, fellow German contemporaries, and just about any other active metalcore act in Europe right now, Annisokay once again remind us just how damn good they are, if not universally recognised for it yet.

ALBUM. Abyss is short, purposeful and concise, like all EPs should be. The second part of an obvious pair, it carries on the themes and moods set up back in 2023, expanding the reach for a truly enjoyable and well structured successor. Conceptual in design, logical in production, pristine in exectution, Abyss Pt II is Annisokay at their absolute best current form, confident and mature to match their immense influence in the local scene, but still brave and determined enough to push their own boundaries and look outside their comfort zone without having to rely on reputation alone. As expectedly good as it is, the EP still manages to throw in a few curveballs and keep us on the edge throughout, which is admirable for a band closing down on their second decade as an active scene trendsetter.

SONGS. Few artists paint the impending apocalypse and post-doomsday wasteland better than Annisokay. In Abyss Pt I it was the monumental 'Human' that set the atmosphere of the EP, here in the second part it is 'Get You Shit Together' that picks up the mantle with a very similar, menacing and sinister tone, and opens up the abyss once again (no pun intended, just a very fitting dominant feel to match a perfectly revealing title). Next one is 'Never Enough', a signature Annisokay rager unleashing their full arsenal of metalcore ammo, transitioning into the pulsating 'Oblivion' and trademark Annisokay anthem 'Into The Grey'. A German team-up for the ages, 'H.A.T.E.' sees them join forces with Any Given Day before the solemn finale in 'Inner Sanctum' gives the EP its much needed melancholic conclusion.

FUTURE. You can expect and LP of some sort, combining Abyss Pt I and II into one outstanding conceptual album, possibly embellished with few new tracks, or at least this seem to be the norm these days and we are here for it. What happens after that, however, will be the true test for Annisokay. It is safe to bet Christoph and his Sawdust Records will remain integral for the local German scene but where the actuall band go will after the Aurora and Abyss cycles will likely determine their position as one of their country's all-time greatest heavy music acts, a position they steadily approach with each consecutive release.