ANAAL NATHRAKH - When Fire Rains Down from the Sky, Mankind Will Reap as It Has Sown (12" MLP on Clear Ash Grey Marbled Vinyl)

Following their groundbreaking debut album "The Codex Necro," Anaal Nathrakh took the logical step of pushing the boundaries further with the release of the six-track EP "When Fire Rains Down From The Sky, Mankind Will Reap As It Has Sown." Despite already being hailed as the future sound of Black Metal, the band aimed for continued innovation and leadership in the genre.

Featuring guest appearances from Attila Csihar and Seth Teitan 131 of Aborym on vocals and lead guitars, the EP maintains the raw and bleak atmosphere of the debut album but with a cleaner production, more defined song structures, and added experimentation. The use of a drum machine by Irrumator contributes to a mixture of disjointed drum patterns, adding a chaotic yet fitting element, especially evident in the opener "Cataclysmic Nihilism."

The crushing guitar sound, distinct from the previous album, reflects the band's commitment to progression. V.I.T.R.I.O.L. expands his vocal abilities, incorporating guttural screams and ear-shattering high-pitched shrieks. While the track featuring Attila, "Atavism," may be considered the weakest, showcasing outstanding vocals, others like "How The Angels Fly In (We Can Never Be Forgiven)" and "Genesis Of The Antichrist" demonstrate the band's growth and willingness to experiment beyond the norm.

With only their second release, Anaal Nathrakh proves to be on the brink of claiming the Black Metal throne, leaving uninspired contemporaries at a loss. Their relentless pursuit of innovation sets them apart in the genre.