Anaal Nathrakh : "the Whole of the Law"

The ninth album and the increasing industrial presence still can no over shadow the band's Emperor influence. Now 17 years in the making even when locked in blast beats on songs like "Hold Your Children Close and Pray for Oblivion" melodies make their way through the blitz of chaos.No long sprawling drones, these guy are in your face snarling at you with terrifying fangs. Industrial sounds tug harder at the heart strings of "We Will Fucking Kill You". The singer's screams here remind me of Pysclon Nine. The guitar melody is fluid in the background when the guitars are not locked into the more mechanical staccato. This works for me more than the feral frenzy of "So We Can Die Happy". By the time I get to the chorus to " In Flagrante Delicto" they are beginning to sound like Strapping Young Lad.

There is more of a black metal blast to "And You Will Beg For Our Secrets". Slowing down to indulge the guitar melody is what saves this song. Industrial music is more of an icing than something they are fully committed to. There is a more Meshuggah like death metal churn to "Extravaganza" . I do like the King Diamond like vocals on this one. They lead you to believe things are going to get really creepy at the beginning of "On Being A Slave". These dreams are dash in favor of pummeling speed. The Devin Townsend like vocal comes in once again on the chorus before the screaming rants on about something being wretched. If you are into guitar solos, once crops up here but doesn't do a lot to contribute to the song. While has a big Behemoth like sound at times "the Great Spectator" retains more nuance in the song writing and leaves room for the occasional melody.

"Of Horror and the Black Shawls" gets caught up in the blur of it's own craziness. It serves as a good example of where I often lose touch with this band. It is when they throw so much at you at once that you are unable to digest or appreciate any of it. One of the bonus tracks is a cover of Iron Maiden's "Powerslave", which is one of my favorite Maiden songs. I think the main themes of some of the riffs get buried in the blast beats though they do a decent job with the vocals on the chorus.  I'll give this album an 8 it starts strong and then midway gets muddled when they throw everything at you. If you are into that kind of thing then play this while you are running the vacuum cleaner and I am sure that will add another layer.