Loud Loop Press posted a great review of the Anatomy of Habit LP today, written by Richard Giraldi, and we appreciate their attention!
Anatomy of Habit’s self-titled debut might be the most un-metal metal album I’ve heard. In fact, calling it metal is probably a stretch. What it is, however, is a dark, moody and often haunting record that culls together a variety of sounds of the psychedelic, ambient and industrial sort. And that unwillingness to be boxed into a particular genre or any kind of strict categorization works to make Anatomy of Habit a bold and compelling debut.
A warning for fans of the four-minute single: You won’t find any here. No, Anatomy of Habit‘s two tracks, “Overcome,” and “Torch,” are both over 15 minutes long and are obtuse and difficult on the surface. But further investigation reveals much more as vocalist Mark Solotroff’s (of Bloodyminded) terrifying croon slash spoken word weaves its way through a sea of noisy percussion and droning guitar work.
“Overcome” opens like a predator stalking its prey – slow but sly and careful. Solotroff’s monotonic vocals hover over the clinky rhythms and repetitive, warbling guitars. A slight variation that includes eerie guitar picking takes hold until shortly after six and a half minute mark as menacing, grinding riffs pummel for a short moment as if the predator attacks. But the piece simmers down shortly thereafter. Finally, the real build up begins with a scratchy, distorted seque that leads to the song’s prog-metal coda.
And speaking of animals, Anatomy of Habit‘s second piece, “Torch,” is a different one altogether. It begins with a bleak hum filled with abstract cymbal play, which takes on a terrifying feel as demented ramblings about flesh, sternum and lungs seeps in. The trudging tempo gets more power via slow-burn fuzzy guitars before the chugging metallic riffage finally takes center stage. The song eventually breaks down again into a cacophony of demonic howls and bone rattling beats.
Yes, Anatomy of Habit isn’t the year’s most sunny album. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. But the moody tension and and sense of horror the band creates is extremely impressive. There’s no doubt that Anatomy of Habit have crafted one of the year’s most intriguing debut LPs from a Chicago band.
