There are very few bands that I find truly frightening. Most bands that try to be ‘scary’ end up either making themselves look foolish or come across as completely boring. When I was growing up, the only bands that put true fear into me were Venom and Mercyful Fate. At that time, the reason of course was because it was impossible to tell if the presentations of the band were real or just so well-executed that they seemed to be real. Either way, it didn’t matter. As a teenager, I was convinced that I was going to hell after buying Don’t Break The Oath, which happens to be an album that I still listen to this day.

As I got a bit older, a bunch of black metal bands emerged, such as Mayhem, Bathory, and Gorgoroth, that were eerie and creepy but by that time I was jaded enough to not really care too much. So, even as churches were being burned to the ground, I wasn’t convinced that there was any true evil being wrought upon the world.

Today, the only band that brings back any of those feelings of fear I had when I was young is Anaal Nathrakh. Obviously, as an adult I am not too worried about the wrath of God or the thought of burning eternally in hell. However, if there was going to be a band to make me second-guess that decision, this would be the one.

On their newest release, In The Constellation Of The Black Widow, Anaal Nathrakh just embodies evil. Dave Hunt’s tortured screams sound like what one would expect to hear in the lowest depths of hell.   Haunting vocal melodies interspersed with truly insane-sounding screams only serve as proof of this.    Additionally, the songwriting seems to have improved immensely since Eschaton, an album I liked but not enough that I ever got around to listen to Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here (which I will now have to do, obviously) Comparatively, the songs on …Widow are more unique and memorable, with excellent titles such as “The Unbearable Filth Of The Soul” and “Oil Upon The Soils Of Lepers.” One instantly noticeable difference is the more prevalent guitar leads by Mick Kenney.   Almost, but not quite bordering on full-length solos, the music is captivating and much more interesting throughout the album.

Anaal Nathrakh is the band that should be played when you want to scare the shit out of your family, friends, or co-workers.   If hell had a soundtrack, there is no question it would be performed by these guys.

Review byPile Driver