Band:	Anaal Nathrakh
Album:	Domine Non Es Dignus
Style:	Black metal, Grindcore
Release date:	November 02, 2004
A review by:	Lucas

01. I Wish I Could Vomit Blood On You... ...People
02. The Oblivion Gene
03. Do Not Speak
04. Procreation Of The Wretched
05. To Err Is Human, To Dream - Futile
06. Revaluation Of All Values (Tractatus Alogico Misanthropicus)
07. The Final Destruction Of Dignity (Die Letzten Tage Der Menschheit)
08. Swallow The World
09. This Cannot Be The End
10. Rage, Rage Against The Dying Of The Light

After their first release "The Codex Necro," Anaal Nathrakh chose a new path with "Domine Non Es Dignus." Grindcore influences were added to the raw approach of Black Metal, creating a furious and annihilating piece of work. Grindcore is not the only influence though, they have taken inspiration from more genres than that. There are clean vocals every once in a while, guttural vocals when they're needed and the melodic riffing provides a fresh bit of air. And what is there, when none of the previously new influences mentioned are present? Crushing, ripping, skin-tearing black grind. Hell yeah.

"Domine Non Es Dignus" starts off with a wave of noise accompanied by the sound of someone puking, then "The Oblivion Gene" kicks in. Blasting beats, ripping riffs and violent vocals, everything you search for is present here. Near the end of the song a surprising melodic solo pops up and disappears just as fast as it came. This happens more often and also a change of vocal style (guttural or clean) can be found in a couple of songs. Some may not like it, but I see this as a nice addition and also a way of keeping the songs apart, as they can sound a bit the same at some points. The intro of the next song is pretty characterizing for what Anaal Nathrakh lyrical themes are about. A man speaks one single sentence, namely: If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. This is their combination of misanthropy and a nihilistic message with a hint of humor and sarcasm.

Something that also should be said about this album is the great production. The sound is very cold and mechanic which suits this militant form of music very well. Especially the programmed drums sound inhuman and like pounding artillery. The guitars shred and sound like razors at times. The only downside of this album is that most of their songs aren't really distinguishable as they are all grinding, demolishing and relentless tracks and may sound a bit alike. This is a minor flaw though, since everyone who likes this style of music shouldn't be able to get enough of it!

If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever.