Let's be honest, you don't find yourself on tour with black metal legends like Mayhem and Inquisition unless you have something of similar caliber to offer to the audience, so there's a reason New York's Black Anvil were hand picked to act as support on the 2017 Mayhem tour of the USA. The bands brand new Relapse Records release As Was comes on the heels of the very fine Hail Death from 2014, and picks up right where things left off. Kicking off with the 8-minute "On Forgotten Ways", Black Anvil's penchant for furious riffing, crushing rhythms, and ferocious vocals are one again fully on display, and it doesn't relent from there. "May Her Wrath Be Just" has an epic feel, the majestic riffs cascading over jackhammer blast beats and gravelly vocals, while the atmospheric title track brings forth the melodic, atmospheric, and progressive side to the band as they deliver one grand passage after another, the clean vocals taking center stage this time around amid plenty of lilting guitar chords. "Nothing" is pure, unadulterated black metal at its most rabid, while their atmospheric side once again comes out on the epic "Two Keys: Here's The Lock", almost like a head-on collision between Pink Floyd and Emperor, and a must hear for any Enslaved fan. Black Anvil can also do the 'black 'n' roll thing, as evidenced by the pummeling closer "Ultra", which hits hard but is also a lot of groovy fun.
Ultimately, As Was is another strong release from Black Anvil, and is sure to help their ascent up the crowded black metal ladder in hopes of eventual elite status in the not too distant future. Check this album out and go see them opening up for Mayhem & Inquisition at a concert venue near you.
Track Listing
1. On Forgotten Ways 08:13
2. May Her Wrath Be Just 04:27
3. As Was 06:49
4. Nothing 06:39
5. As An Elder Learned Anew 06:43
6. Two Keys: Here's The Lock 09:10
7. The Way Of All Flesh 02:08
8. Ultra
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