Anaemia - The Second Incarnation (1999)
This is most accurately described as "doomy thrash". I was really hoping for a more straight doom approach. There are very few clean vocals here, they go mostly for a gruff semi-death vocal style similar to that of Ian Arkley from Ashen Mortality. The vocals (in a few select areas) can take on quite an old-school death approach reminding me at times of the style used on songs like "Black Raven" by Deuteronomium and at other times even border on a hardcore vocal sound similar to bands like Mindrage, but this band is far from being death metal or hardcore. Music-wise it's much like Ashen Mortality with some influence of his old band Seventh Angel. The guitar parts are a mix of thrash and doom so fans of Arkleys bands along with fans of Paramaecium and maybe even Black Sabbath will like this.There are some really beautiful guitar melodies that just jump out of the songs and grab you when least expected and even add "atmosphere" to this album. The lyrics are blatantly Christian but are not cliche or cheesy. The production is nothing short of perfect. It just seems that there is some untapped potential here somewhere. I am anxious to hear the next release from these guys and see what direction the new millenium holds for Anaemia. --- Review by Norm