Thoroughly enjoyable symphonic black metal. - Another symphonic black metal album! Every second album I receive at the moment seems to fall into this category. Not that I m complaining too much, since there have definitely been some quality releases amongst them (Sear Bliss comes to mind).Anorexia Nervosa is not new to me. I quite enjoyed 2001 s New Obscurantis Order, although I recall complaining at the time about the constant barrage of vocals. These French guys can definitely play black metal though and we re talking about the more operatic, yet brutal side here. At times I am reminded of early Emperor, at other times Dissection, but it never quite reaches the grandness of the masters.I am definitely enjoying Redemption Process more than their previous releases, mainly due to the band learning to use some restraint. Things often drop down a notch in intensity, giving the album some well-needed variation. Antiferno is a highlight and an excellent example of where Anorexia Nervosa has improved since their last outing. Brutal guitar driven sections are broken up by some catchy keyboard use and a slower mid-song break. The final track The Sacrament also moves into temporary Bathory worship mode, which is fine by me.The band has managed to find a really great sound on this album, one that allows all the instruments to stand up and be heard. The drumming is tight and effective without overwhelming, the keyboards are used for both depth and melody and the all-important guitars get room to breathe.Redemption Process is not without flaws though. Once again, there are simply too many lyrics. I have this problem with Naglfar and Cradle of Filth at times too. If a song goes for 6 minutes, it is not necessary to have black metal vocals over the entire track, no matter how decent the vocalist is. Some riffs should be savoured as they are at least momentarily, without distraction, to be most effective. At least on this album, there are some attempted variations of vocal delivery, but they are also not completely successful either. Also, a couple of tracks don t really establish themselves into the memory banks as they lack any genuine hooks.Despite these minor qualms, I m quite impressed with the album and I m certain it will gain the band some well-earned attention. With some studio backing and slightly more ambitious song-writing, Anorexia Nervosa could join the likes of Dimmu Borgir in the upper echelons of black metal monetary success. And it s nowhere near as strange as most of the stuff those wacky French come up with!
EPIC, AMAZING ALBUM - This is some amazing music. It really sounds passionate. Every single note and every word sounds meaningfull and urgent. I love the atmosphere of this CD. Definately a great buy that you will love to put in your metal collection.
From Lame to Near Perfection - ANs first release, Exile, was one of the worst CDs I have ever heard! No form or reason or logic, just chants and song fragments, although interesting fragments. They steadily improved to become an excellent, muscically efficient band with each new release.Redemption Process is a quantum leap in this progression. Have they been listening to Opeth? They don t sound like Opeth, don t get me wrong, but the musicianship,arrangements, and technical difficulty of the songs reminds me of them. If you like Graveworm, Oathean,Lord Belial, and early Samael, you will love these guys. Best three songs: The Shining, Amen, and Sister September, a Gem!
Generic - Anorexia Nervousa bring nothing new to the forefront of melodic black metal, I honestly don t see why so many people like this band. I m not saying their terrible, their quite proficent with their instruments and everything, but it s all been done before. Cradle of Filth, Agathoidaimon, Lord Belial, Graveworm, Dimmu Borgir, Borknager, Old Mans Child, Catamenia... are some of many bands that out rank Anorexia Nervousia in terms of originality and talent. All AN try to do is follow in these bands shadows. Don t waste your money on these second-handers, if your considering buying this I would recommend checking out some of the bands I mentioned above instead, to begin with. Then look around a bit, there s plenty of bands out there with a more unique approach to black metal.
EXCELLENT SYMPHONIC BLACK METAL - This is by far A.N.s finest album to date. Drudenhaus was an excellent album and so was N.O.O., but redemption Process is just better. First of all, the song structures are more diverse than on their previous efforts and also, they are longer and more complex. This band is unique. The only other band that might be a little similar is Cradle of Filth although Anorexia Nervosa didn t abandon themselves to commercialism like CoF did.On top of everything, this cd comes in a beautiful digipak with an awesome booklet featuring complete lyrics.A must!!!