What makes the difference, however, is their relatively clean-cut production, which gives all instruments their equal share in a consonant and effective blend, although we could definitely do less with the pattering triggers that are used in an irritating abundance in almost every song on the album. Animus Mortis are actually one of the few bands that have come to my attention that maintain the fragile balance between instrumental technicalities and un-tiresome melodies with a distinctive flair. Therefore _Atrabilis_ delivers us not only with an abrasive punch of quality black metal, but also a promising sophomore to look forward to.