CoC : Annulond - Battles, Singing and Ale Drinking : Review

Annulond - _Battles, Singing and Ale Drinking_
(Independent, 2008)
by: Quentin Kalis (5 out of 10)

This is the follow-up to Annulond's self-titled three track demo, which has been incorporated into this independent full-length. _Annulond_ was a basic and flawed release, but possessed an endearing naiveté that mitigated its weaknesses. The full-length does not depart significantly from his demo, nor does it have the same appeal. Provided with a better production and performed at a speedier tempo, his riffs may be a memorable, but they are too drawn out and repetitive to be entertaining -- nor do his preferred snarls sit comfortably alongside the rather jaunty nature which would have better served with at least some clean (and decent) vocals. The songs are simplistic, and some judicious editing would have been welcome.

This style was passable on a short demo, but stretched over a full-length it starts to become boringly repetitive rather than hypnotic and mesmerising. With the help of some audio sandpaper, Annulond may one day produce something that can sit alongside the likes of Storm, Mithotyn or Manegarm. At the moment it feels almost as if he has rushed this release, for the sake of releasing a full-length, instead of further cultivating his sound through further demos.

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/annulond

(article published 8/6/2008)

DEMOS
4/8/2007	Q Kalis	3	Annulond - Annulond