ANNATHEMA
Empire Of Noise
(AreaDeath Productions)
37:36min

I remember the old slogan that some Metal label widely used back in the 90s, “Some things were meant to stay underground”. In this specific case I would change it to some things were meant to really really remain not re-released! I really can’t think of a reason why someone would even be remotely interested in this Serbian Heavy Metal band. I’m pretty sure this country has a lot better representations of their local scene and ANNATHEMA is sadly not one of them. Being one of the oldest does not necessarily mean being the best. “Empire Of Noise” seems to be directly influenced by ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and “Arise” era SEPULTURA. That is just fine, as long as you don’t end up sounding as a cheap copy and that is the biggest ANNATHEMA mistake. They don’t really make any effort in order to be at least a little bit innovative or even offer something worth the effort of sitting down and check this out. The album kicks in with ‘Road Warrior’ and as the title suggests, you really have to be brave to get through the end of that. The rest of the album unfortunately follows along the same lines of boring, uninspired and sterile song structures that only makes me wonder why I’m wasting 37:36min of my life reviewing this. I have not checked the rest of the ANNATHEMA discography and I still have the hope this is not the best they can offer. I totally suggest you all to stay miles away from this release. This is definitely something that you want to miss! Just like the re-release of their previous album “Don’t Go Down” this is also limited to 1000 numbered copies and offers a bonus DVD (ANNATHEMA live in Timisoara, Romania 1991). www.myspace.com/annathemaband, www.areadeath.net

Mario Cubero

Mario Cubero

Related reviews / interviews:
ANNATHEMA - Don't Go Down (Lem Lycurgus)
ANNATHEMA - Annathema (Nathan Shapiro )

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