Annisokay began their journey in 2007, evolving along the way. They released their debut in 2012, followed by the semi-successful Enigmatic Smile in 2015 and Devil May Care in 2016. The German quintet is ready to impress new and old fans with their fourth LP, Arms (Arising Empire). The 12-track record highlights deep emotion accompanied by energetic progressive metalcore to impress skeptics.
Jumping into a precise metalcore jam, opening track ‘Coma Blue’ has the right balance of clean vocals and heavy growls that hook you right in. Released as a second single, the song introduces the listener well to what is yet to come.
Lead single and second track ‘Unaware’ will be a favorite for those who listen to bands like Underoath—the chorus is catchy and the different synth adds texture to the track. Slowing things down with ‘Good Stories,’ the track again highlights the vocal ability between Dave Grunewald and Christoph Wieczorek. The guitar riffs fit well on this track as the electronic elements hype up the energy that gently slow it down in the bridge.
‘Fully Automatic’ is an impressive tune with different structures in the guitar work. It’s a definite highlight in the album that showcases each member’s artistry and their full potential as a band. ‘Sea of Trees’ it’s a headbanger’s delight as ‘Innocence Was Here’ carry these harmonies that intertwine nicely.
‘Humanophobia’ is aggressive—developing greatly on momentum while maintaining a heavy guitar riff melody. The album in its entirety is catchy. Tracks like “End Of The World” and “Escalators” are proof as the lyrics are memorable and the beat to both songs are different yet haunting.
Attila’s Fronz is featured in ‘Private Paradise.’ The song starts off with this weird hip-hop sequence, which immediately fades into a heavier, grungier tune. The first few seconds of the track can be forgiven as it gains substance—ultimately working well.
‘Locked Out, Locked In’ closes out the album. As it starts calmly as a melodic cloud of rhythm it progresses into in your face anthem full of heavy drum fills and gritty vocals—summarizing the album and all its potential.
Guitarist and vocalist, Wieczorek was responsible for mixing, mastering and producing Arms. The album meshes all elements of melodic, metalcore and progressive into a successful comeback. The band should be proud of this record that puts them back on the metalcore map.
8.0/10
CYNTHIA JO