Review: “Opacity” by Anomic (2nd Anniversary)

Dealing with themes of Existentialism, Insanity, Morbidity, Society and Politics, “Opacity” is the debut EP from Anomic, a Death Thrash duo formed in 2023 and split between Holland and Germany. Guitarist and shrill vocalist Raafat Atasi (ONKT, Paindemonium, Pitchfork) is joined by bassist and death growl beast Fadi Massamiri (Abidetherein, Eulen, Wrahha) for the purpose, the seasoned pair of veterans bringing the legend that is Belphegor, Hate and Vader drummer Krzysztof Klingbein along for the ride as a session musician.

The sound of the lose bass strings hitting the fret-boards adds a textured clank to the savage speed anthem that is “Opacity“, the duo’s 90’s Death Metal influences only partially buried under the rubble of modern production. Lovers of the whammy bar will unite over the sheer volume of the bands attacks, death growls and shriller moments combining to great effect throughout. There are hints of Motorhead flamboyance in the riffs of “This Blood Is Mine” but that doesn’t stop another Death Thrash anthem from unfolding before your very eyes (or should that be ears?). The vocals are just as razor sharp as the barbed tongues from which the vocals emanate, the duo having nailed the sound they’re looking for with performances of verve and swagger. Its so damn well put together that it puts other bands to shame, such is the presence, power and poise of the piece. “On Deaf Ears” features a guest vocal appearance from Stefan Nordström of Desolator, Ending Quest and Soliloquium fame and is lyrically inspired by James McTeigue’s ‘V For Vendetta‘ movie. A lethal dose of politically charged and socially aware commentary thinly veiled as a Death Metal track, it has a message that hits home like a call to arms at its black beating heart. There are even Morbid Angel influences on this one as the band expose their love for American Death Metal, the harsh reality being that there is nothing in the accenting of the vocals to indicate where they’re actually from. The demo version of “Opacity” from 2023 doesn’t add all that much simply because its not that different. It’s just two seconds longer and just as refined, the difference being in the sound quality more than anything else. All in all a masterful piece of work that will leave you like a zombie wanting more brains! [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Opacity
2. This Blood Is Mine
3. On Deaf Ears (ft. Stefan Nordström of Desolator)
4. Opacity (Demo Version 2023)