Review ANNISOKAY “Abyss Pt.II” – EP

Annisokay was formed in 2007 and the band’s career plan knows only one direction. Up. Maybe it wasn’t a plan at all, but the guys from Halle, Germany, have been able to expand their fan base, with their latest full-length album “Aurora” entering the German longplayer charts. A tour with Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation was another opportunity to present the music to a larger group of people and some of them might also be interested in “Abyss Pt. II”.

The four-piece released the first part in 2023 and now it’s six new songs that will see the light of day. Annisokay have found an interesting fusion of different styles. There are shouts and clean vocals that create a field of tension. At the same time there is a constant competition of harsh outbursts and melodic moments that can be seen as cornerstones of Annisokay’s sound. “H.A.T.E.” is a good example where all these elements come together. Combined with a thunderous sound, the song is a blasting example of the band’s signature sound.

The band does not shy away from some electronic elements and samples. The beginning of “Get Your Shit Together” is one of those moments where the guys use this feature to create a special vibe with their music, before the song explodes and turns into a raging opener.

Atmospheric is the best way to describe “Into The Gray” with its rather harmonic beginning that is more rooted in modern metal than metalcore. The clean vocals dominate and it could be the perfect entry point for new fans who don’t know the band.

“Inner Sanctum” is the last song on this release, and it follows the same principles as the previous tracks. EBM elements, roaring guitars and aggressive screams combined with catchy melodies – this is what “Inner Sanctum” offers.

All in all I have to say that Annisokay have managed to create their own sound within the framework of modern metal and metalcore. “Abyss Pt.II” is a good release and sounds powerful. The guys are steering their ship in a good direction, although I have to say that “Abyss Pt.I” showed a bit more versatility compared to the new effort. And the remaining question is, why didn’t the band just create one longplayer instead of releasing two EP’s. But this is something everyone can answer for themselves.