Album Review: Aurora // Annisokay

German metalcore titans Annisokay have taken the scene by storm since their 2016 debut album Loud came out. Their sound is a mixture of aggression and melody, while guitarist/clean vocalist Christoph Wieczorek produced all their albums. This helps the band have full control over their sound. This approach has served them very well over the years.

The band’s new album, Aurora is the first one that features new unclean vocalist and longtime friend Rudi Schwarzer. It will be interesting to see what he brings to their sound.

The band have taken influence from a variety of genres to broaden their sound palette. This is a positive move because they’re still refreshing while sticking to their roots. They’ve also got angrier. On ‘STFU’, Wieczorek sings: “Shut the fuck up / and start using your own brain.” This could be a message to the listener to follow their own beliefs, which works very well with the angry breakdown.

Another impressive thing about this album is the dynamics. ‘The Tragedy’ is a softer song boosted by a big chorus. It’s completely different from what the band usually write, focusing on synths. But it fits perfectly on the album because the blood-curdling screams are brutal. This also works well on ‘Under Your Tattoos.’ The infectious chorus works very well alongside the down-tuned guitars.

Aurora has something for everyone. From the Meshuggah-esque riff of ‘I Saw What You Did’ to the poppier ‘Standing Still’, Annisokay have kept their integrity on a superb album.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos