Review || Anu- Opus Funaerum

Anu: Nachtmusik

North America is home to a ever-growing populous of impressive black metal bands but is far from renowned for it’s offerings. While the vast majority fall into the categorie of rip-offs or hipsters going all ’30 Days of Night‘ on the genre, every once in a while when the stars align there comes along a band that even the most seasoned, discriminate kvltist can’t ignore. One such band is North Carolina’s own Anu.

Formed in 1995 in Granite Falls, a small town of Twin Falls-esque scenery, Anu has spent much of their tenure in relative obscurity. They released one demo in 1999, an EP in 2000, and finally their debut full-length, Opus Funaerum, in May of this year. It seems for the most part this release has been overlooked and generally ignored by much of the black metal community -- a direct result of little promotion and ten year gap between releases -- but as it stands is easily one of the best releases in black metal 2010 had to offer. 

Spanning eight tracks in a little over 30 minutes, Opus Funaerum is the tour-de-force of a band with exceptional song writing talent and a knack for ambiance. This record really pulls you in  from the get go with ambient tracks sprinkled liberally between the chillingly raw bits that fosters a listening experience altogether mournful and emanating angst. In black metal atmosphere is king and Anu have seized the North American throne. This record is a serious contender for a place in my personal ‘Top Ten of 2010’ list.

As you can see I’ve included the final track on Opus Funaerum, Nachtmusik, you can hear by pressing the play button above. As usual we’d like to hear what you think in the comments section so sound off and enjoy!