This is top of the bill symphonic black metal from France. If you think that Cradle Of Filth is becoming soft, and if your are still looking for heavy symphonic music; than your “saviour” (although a strange word for this kind of music) is here. Coming to you at incredible speed: furious double bass, impressive aggressive screams, and a complete orchestra of violins, trumpets and much more; this is arguably better than earlier mentioned COF. Lyrics that are nihilistic and dark, inspired on 19th century France romantic thinking, which are sung in English, Latin, German and of course in French (hard to understand though if your not speaking French). Especially the French language as found on for instance track 5: “Le Portail de la Vierge” give this cd the edge over others from this genre, for the language is well suited for this kind of music. Within the 9 tracks no room for pause, no slowing down in speed, just 6 tracks long one wall of sound blowing you away. The next track (number 7) can be seen as a cooling down after an intense work-out (only for you ears), for it is a classical piece of piano music just long enough to prepare you for the final chapter: track 8 (and 9 if you have the digi-pack version); again furious black metal.

The bonus track (digi-pack) is a cover from Candlemass titled “Solitude”. Although AN is in the same corner as COF and Dimmu Borgir, they are not comparable with them: “Every resemblance that still exists is based on pure coincidence”. Be prepared though, for this is not background music; you have to take your time and really listen to it several times to understand the music; hearing new sounds and melodies with every new attempt. You probably get it: very complicated music not to be listened to by the untrained ear. Even the worst critic has to grade this album high; there is no other conclusion. New symphonic Black Metal Gods have arisen and this time the cradle stands in France. (Also try the album “Drudenhaus”)

One remark: If you are not into gothic and black metal music, you`re better off leaving this album for what it is.