It seems that there is a buzz surrounding these English maniacs these days and I can easily understand why. Unfortunately I haven’t yet listened to their first full length ("The Codex Necro", also on Mordgrimm), but this six-tracker (and I mean real tracks) convinces me that the ANAAL NATHRAKH ambitions are very high and that the two musicians forming this band are talented enough to fulfill them. Simply put, ANAAL NATHRAKH are the future of Black Metal, no less, because they rejuvenate a rehashed genre and inject new blood and new ideas in it, in the way ABORYM and the sadly defunct December WOLVES did before. Obviously Vitriol (vocals) and Irrumator (all instruments) treasure enigma around their band, making ANAAL NATHRAKH even more attractive (too much self exposure and loud statements could kill an act). Just look at a picture of these two guys, and you will be surprised: no silly plastic swords nor stupid makeup in sight, only two very down to earth dudes (short hair and glasses, an "intellectual" look if you want!) eager to compose the best music they can. And what a blast this music is! Imagine an even more twisted and frightening version of MAYHEM’s "De Mystreriis…" album, or remember the first MYRKSKOG release ("Death Machine"), and you will get a fair idea of what ANAAL NATHRAKH are about. Vitriol’s vocals are totally demented, a damn fine experience hearing them, I can assure you! He delivers his lines with such a deep conviction it becomes frightening after a while, and he obviously think about his lyrics while puking them out. The production of "When Fire…" is nothing less than superb, and I don’t even talk about the Irrumator’s playing abilities, breathtaking is the only word that comes to my mind. Before I forget, let me say that the legendary Attila Csihar laid down all the vocals on one track, while Seth Teitan (also from the mighty ABORYM) did some solos (and what great leads they are!) on two. The highest quality of ANAAL NATHRAKH is that they bring very modern ideas into a familiar frame, and without using external influences or fashionable elements, pure Black Metal! I would like to also mention the cool artwork chosen for the cover, a little bit different of what we are used to. No doubt about that: ANAAL NATHRAK have a bright future before them, and I hope they will continue to deliver such a remarkable music. ESSENTIAL!!! Contact and more info at: www.geocities.com/anaalnathrakh.