Anomalie – Refugium (2015)

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Hailing from Austria, today we have Anomalie and their sophomore release “Refugium”. Started as a one-man battalion by Marrok of Selbstentleibung and Harakiri for the Sky (live) fame, this outfit crafts a very melancholic blend of Black Metal that is very rare and extremely addictive. Traversing over 52 minutes of music, this album takes its time to fully develop and to explore its deepest and darkness corners it requires patience and understanding.

Opening with Katatonia meets Post-Black Metal “In Fear of Tomorrow”, we are instantly hooked on the band’s very melancholic and yet intense sound. The hypnotic clean vocals will haunt you after this track is over. As “Spiritual Dimension” and “Untouched Walls” roll around, we start to notice some resemblance with bands like Agrypnie in terms of the vocals/riffing, but quickly stray away from this when the atmospheric passages go by.

The first instant standout track is the superbly catchy and melodic “Between Reality and the World Bey”. Thanks to very well crafted guitars and super tight drumming, this song is an instant staple for Anomalie and their music. Things turn darker and more atmospheric and doomy in “Solace”, one of the most emotional and diverse tracks in this release, which serves as a very nice setup for the moody “Leaving Somnia”.

Another personal favorite is the punishing “Freiflug 48° 23´ N, 16° 19’ O”, a true melancholic masterpiece. By adding a session Bassist and Drummer, the album sounds very organic and cohesive, as one can appreciate in the cathartic 10+ minute closer “Refugium”. As a whole, “Refugium” is a very unique release that has many layers to discover and discern. If you like complex Black Metal with tons of melancholic and atmospheric elements, this is one release that you can’t miss. Anomalie is a very exciting young band that will surely only improve with time, making their future releases something to wait for … anxiously.

Band: Anomalie Album: Refugium

Label: Art of Propaganda

Release: November 20th, 2015

Official Site Social Media

Genre: Post-Black Metal

Country: Austria

Rating: 92/100
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