Anima by In This Temple: A Wild Ride Through Metal and Mayhem
Alright, buckle up, because Anima by Austrian rockers In This Temple is one of those albums that doesn’t just sit in the background—it grabs you by the collar and demands attention. Released in 2018 under their own label (DIY vibes for the win!), this record dives headfirst into a chaotic mix of post-rock, progressive metal, post-hardcore, and metalcore. It’s like they threw all their favorite genres into a blender and hit “puree.” The result? A sound that’s as unpredictable as it is electrifying.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, there’s Artificial Mind Design. Oh man, this song hits hard right outta the gate. Imagine a wall of guitars smashing into your eardrums while some seriously intricate drumming keeps things moving at breakneck speed. What sticks with me here isn’t just the technical wizardry—it’s how the track builds tension like a coiled spring before exploding into chaos. By the time it ends, you’re left wondering if you’ve been listening to music or surviving an emotional rollercoaster. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Then there’s Undertow, which feels like the moody cousin of Artificial Mind Design. This one takes its sweet time setting the scene, layering atmospheric riffs over haunting melodies. About halfway through, though, BAM—it flips the script with a guttural scream and a riff so heavy it could anchor a ship. It’s the kind of track that makes you nod along even when you’re pretending not to care. Plus, the lyrics are cryptic enough to make you Google them later, but poetic enough to stick in your brain.
The rest of the album—Stories Repeat, Flying Colours, and Damned & Cursed—all bring something unique to the table. Whether it’s soaring choruses, crushing breakdowns, or moments of eerie calm, In This Temple knows how to keep listeners on their toes. No two songs feel the same, yet they all share that raw energy that screams “we made this for us, not for anyone else.”
So what’s the takeaway from Anima? Honestly, it’s proof that Austria isn’t just about Mozart and schnitzel anymore. These guys have carved out their own niche in the rock world, blending genres like mad scientists in a lab. Sure, the production might not be super polished, but who cares? Sometimes rough edges give character, ya know?
And here’s the kicker: after blasting this album, I realized my cat had been hiding under the couch the whole time. Coincidence? Probably not.
