Antt – Esoteric Misanthropy
India
Independent
Annt is a black metal duo hailing from the infernal depths of Assam, India, and “Esoteric Misanthropy” is their debut EP.
The title feels appropriate for this release, as this whole thing radiates pure darkness from start to finish, with a sound firmly fixed between the second and third wave. The music is relatively straight-forward and well-executed for its duration. The band employs melody in a clever way, without compromising any hostility. Musically, their sound is characterized by harsh, croaky vocals, apocalyptic riffs and fast, hard-hitting drums, as well as incorporating a good dose of melody into the mix. Vocalist Telal Xul’s harrowing groan brings to mind Hoath Torog from Sargeist/Behexen fame, while the guitars are pretty much par excellent and replete with sombre textures. The material is quite strong and further enhanced by a verily excellent production.
Their sound is something of a mix between Sargeist, Thunderbolt and Babtism. That being said, I don’t ever recall hearing a black metal band of this magnitude and quality from India. The band display a level of professionalism and craftsmanship that most bands are unable to pull off so early in their career. All in all, “Esoteric Misanthropy” is a stellar EP through and through. Recommended. (HT)