WL//WH Review ANIMA TRISTE
October 14 marks the release of the new (epic) full-length album “In The Twilight” by Anima Triste (GR), an album that exceeds expectations—one where the band is fully aware of the impressive achievement they have under their belt, as it is a stunning work by individuals who found serenity amidst life’s chaos to craft this masterpiece.
Anima Triste…(the sad soul) formed in Athens in 2014 and dwells in the dark musical realms of post-punk, darkwave, and dark rock, blending atmospheric guitars, melancholic melodies, and deeply personal lyrics.
From their self-titled debut “Anima Triste” LP (2016) to “Humanity” LP (2019), “River of the Dancing Gods” single (2021), and “Alone” LP (2023)—with “UOY” single (2018) in between—the band has shaped its own identity, exploring themes of loneliness, human nature, and the contradictions of modern society.
In broad strokes—though perhaps not in full detail—I can say that the band plays post-punk meets darkwave meets dark rock music with occasional gothic flairs in their art. Here, “in the twilight”, there is something intangible and magical; here is silk and pain; here is Anima Triste in their most mature condition yet—it is like a “diary” of the arrows that have pierced them in the past three years since their previous release, and here is also that deep, transparent “reason” like a veil in their music.
Mad Sad (vocals), Greg Dirt (guitars/ keys), Gus Black (bass), and Jim Gadd (drums/ keys) are all showing desirable dedication to their craft, as they deliver their most fragile and dark expression. With precision across the board—performance, interpretation, storytelling, narration, and orchestration—they appear as a troupe as tight-knit as the album’s own focused sound; credits here to Titos Kariotakis, who did all the studio work (recording, mixing, mastering).
“In the twilight…I find my comfort, then fade away”
Throughout their new album, which comes from the twilight, unfolds all our dark times, our unjust era, the fears, more so the pain, and a deadly hope that everything and nothing can be overturned at any moment…in the centuries, the lyrics found their best narrator, and the music unveiled its most suitable players on the stage of their work.
There is a substantial load of superb riffing, and in every song, things unfold methodically and on target toward the essence of each “episode”. With nothing hidden in the shadows or behind walls, this is a direct record that carries significant weight for its creators—as well as for the souls of the listeners. There is profound darkness alongside remarkable clarity; all is evident in the music, and the album’s exceptional sound, with all these elements combined, was created for this truly elusive, extraordinary record.
I’ll stop writing here; there is no need for more. There is only this magnificent work—this new album by Anima Triste—here for us to hear about life… however it may be, however it may spark in the haze, “there is nowhere to hide in my head.”
Here is “In The Twilight” LP by Anima Triste, press play – listen loud!!!
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Written by Mike D.
