Annisokay – Aurora
Release Date: 29th January 2021
Label: Arising Empire
Buy/Stream
Genre: Metalcore
FFO: I Prevail, Northlane, If I Were You, Starset, Atreyu, Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Shvpes.
Review By: Ryan Shearer
I remember enjoying Annisokay’s album Devil May Care back in 2016. It was a time when the German quartet were not exactly new on the scene but they hadn’t become figureheads yet; a talented band but not yet considered a frontrunner of the genre. 2021 brings us Aurora, Annisokay’s fifth album – I hoped it would be a further improvement on Devil May Care and their most recent album Arms from 2018. To call it an improvement would be to hugely undersell what Aurora is; a sophisticated, bold and wonderfully crafted album defining the identity of Annisokay.
Like A Parasite is a fantastic start. It has the signature melodic approach of Annisokay, soaring vocals and a tight and defined low end thud. Towards the end of the track, the electronics and drums take on a modern Northlane vibe which is currently infecting the metalcore populace for the better. It transforms into a sci-fi infused nu-metalcore breakdown, ending the track on an energetic high.
STFU was the first experience I had of Aurora in April 2020 when they released it as the first single. It’s clear by this point these are not the new guys on the block – they know what they want to make, they know how to make it, and they’ve become masters at it. When new harsh vocalist Rudi Schwarzer screams ‘Shut the fuck up!’ the swell underneath helps it land beautifully – there is real weight and power behind the scream.
The Tragedy is a more reserved track that feels like it’s a reworking of a Justin Timberlake hit (I’m bracing for abuse here, but it really reminded me of Cry Me a River!). There’s a very poppy sound to it that has been blended with operatic elements you’d expect out of a Starset track. It’s still recognisable as Annisokay, but with a much more in-your-face level of experimentation. It’s one of the more out-there sounding tracks of Aurora, but it’s still strong and a nice change of pace.
The Cocaines Got Your Tongue starts with an unusual, almost rapped intro over what feels like could evolve into a trap beat. Real drums come in, followed by low, crushing guitars. Standing Still is a calmer track, focusing on beauty over raw aggression. It’s one of my personal favourites and really highlights how malleable the band can be across the genre spectrum. A fantastic soaring vocal over the chorus brings it all together.
Produced by clean vocalist & guitarist Christoph Wieczorek, the mix and texture throughout is consistent and interesting. Guitar tones vary across the album, with tight and abrasive timbres for the heavier (dare I say… djentier?) tracks such as on I Saw What You Did, and raw & expressive tones across tracks where the mood demands it like in The Blame Game. Drums sound punchy and big, driving forward the energy.
Aurora feels very much like Annisokay no longer has anything to prove. It’s got influences from pop, operatic metal, industrial & nu-metalcore, using them tastefully to enhance their already rich sound. Perhaps the addition of fresh blood, as their former harsh vocalist Dave Grunewald left in 2019, has given them a revived sense of self. This is not an album searching for identity, it’s an album confident with what it is and standing with conviction. With 13 tracks, you’d expect much more filler than there is present. Each track has a unique aspect, a memorable hook or a delicious riff that sticks in your mind. Face The Facts wonderfully blends interesting rhythms with fun, bouncy riffs. Bonfire Of The Millenials is driven by a staccato synth pulse, adding a harshness and tension to the subject matter of the earth slowly dying, “Baby boomers building cities out of greed” is sung by Christoph with angst in his voice.
2018’s Arms reached #26 in the Top 100 Album German Charts, so expectations were high on a follow up. They certainly haven’t disappointed, and Aurora deserves to propel Annisokay into more success than ever before. This is a fantastic example of metalcore exploring where the genre needs to move into the next decade to remain relevant.
(5 / 5)
