The most interesting metal band on the planet are gearing up for their fifth studio album and it is sure to piss off metal elitists, drive fans insane in the best way possible, and top the metal music charts. What band could I possibly be referring to other than the genre defying Slovenian geniuses in Within Destruction and their new album ANIMETAL.
What is not to love about Within Destruction? Besides being some of the kindest guys in metalcore/deathcore, they are also extremely talented with their ability to take the concepts of what make the genres great and season it up in a new and fun way. I've been listening to the band since they released From the Depths back in 2012 and have been here for the ride ever since while seeing them across multiple tours. 2022's Lotus was a deathcore masterpiece in my opinion so when I heard a new album was coming, I was beyond excited. The bar was high and I was intrigued as to how the boys in the band could outdo themselves this time around.
ANIMETAL is everything that the genre needs to be revamped and soar into the mainstream again. It is no wonder why Within Destruction can throw down with the demonic kings in Enterprise Earth but also fit in with genre-bending titans like SiM. With catchy choruses, fun samples, and bone-shaking riffs and blast beats, I found myself head-banging and dancing to every track on the album. When speaking about the album, the band has this to say:
"ANIMETAL is a culmination of all the stylistic experimentations that preceded it. These tracks are unapologetically authentic to the band’s identity. With each album released after the band’s deathcore era, we have gradually pushed the boundaries of electronics, clean hooks, and pop sensibility. Each song has a unique identity within the tracklist while retaining the band’s signature heavy-core sound. In previous albums, we experimented with melodic choruses, but with ANIMETAL, they have become a defining feature of our music. Every song has its own hook and appeal, and we hope it resonates deeply with listeners. "Thematically, ANIMETAL explores a wide range of subjects, shifting between fictional, larger-than-life characters and situations, and motifs that are deeply relatable to everyday life. Heavily inspired by anime plots and protagonists, the lyrics often take on a first-person perspective, portraying the struggles these characters face. From the grim battles within one’s own mind to the delusions we sometimes find ourselves lost in, and the crushing weight of the external world, we aim to create a connection with listeners through the storytelling in these tracks."
While I could sit here and tell you which track is my favorite (Spoiler: it is all of them), I'm going to leave your first listen as open as can be. Trust me when I say that you will not be disapointed!
Photos by Matte Blac Photo
