Anthelion - Bloodshed Rebefallen

Anthelion - 沐血再臨 (Bloodshed Rebefallen)

Country: Taiwan
Genre: Melodic/Symphonic Black Metal
Year: 2007
Label: Ultimate Music Taiwan
Producer: Fredrik Nordström

It is not often that you hear about a metal band from Taiwan, let alone a band playing extreme metal, in this case, symphonic black metal. Anthelion was formed in 2001 and has released one EP in 2004. 沐血再臨, or Bloodshed Rebefallen, is Anthelion's first full length release. One thing to note is that this album was produced by renowned Swedish producer (Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Dark Tranquillity, In Flames) and Dream Evil guitarist Fredrik Nordström.

While on first listen, Anthelion might seem like any other symphonic/melodic black metal bands out there. But after a few listens, one might slowly realise that there is a twist in the music that is played. The lyrics are actually mostly written in Chinese, therefore perhaps giving Anthelion it's special sound in a way.

The strong influences from other symphonic black metal bands such as Dimmu Borgir and Emperor, especially the vocals, and also from ChthoniC, which isn't surprising considering that ChthoniC is one of the more popular melodic black metal bands from Taiwan.

The music style is similar to most other symphonic black metal bands, fusing a lot of melody with fast but thin sounding guitar lines to create a symphonic atmosphere while maintaining it's sound as a black metal band.

Two of the more stand out tracks are the 2nd and 3rd track, 零 and 無懼。再臨, which are slow instrumental tracks played by the keyboards only. These 2 tracks emphasises the mood of the album, bringing out the emotions of the listener, hence enhancing the whole Anthelion experience. Another notable track is track 8, 破魂錄, with a chorus that really moves the listener with its depressive mood and lyrics.

All in all, a good album for fans of bands such as Dimmu Borgir, (early) Cradle of Filth, Emperor and ChthoniC.

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