Animan-The Unholy

Musicarchy Media
2016

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden and featuring musicians with ties to the group Blackwater, Animan is a brand new name in the field of (electrified) alternative heavy rock/hard & heavy metal. The somewhat atmospheric and occasionally goth-leaning "The Unholy" serves as Animan's full-length debut and it is overflowing with highly-charged material that is bound to leave a lasting impression upon all who hear it. While the group's official Facebook page lists the likes of Godsmack, Sevendust, Soundgarden, and Machine Head as Animan's primary influences one can't help but suspect that this is one band that is also quite familiar with the alternative rock and heavy metal sounds that literally flooded rock and roll radio stations back in the day. Please do not dread that particular observation as it merely adds to the compelling narrative that is Animan's first album. On it's final completion, "The Unholy" is a strong debut offering from Sweden's Animan and a release that I can't help but feel deserves special consideration. As a final note, credit must go to not only the two extraordinary musicians behind this project, Thomas Kihlberg (lead vocals, guitar) and Björn Wennerborg (lead vocals, guitar), but the album's sound man, Thomas "Plec" Johansson (final mix and master). By working close together (and no doubt feeding off of each others clever ideas and highly-creative suggestions!) these three unique individuals have crafted a refreshing album that should breath new life into the alternative hard rock and heavy metal scenes.