Emerging once again from the shadows of Porto, ANZV return with KUR, their second full-length offering—a plunge into ancient dread and mythic power. Named after a deity from Mesopotamian lore, ANZV draw their identity from a creature of legend: a colossal bird-lion hybrid said to exhale both fire and water. A fitting emblem for their sound—wild, primal, and elemental.
Extreme metal has long held a fascination for Mesopotamian mythology, and it’s easy to see why. In these early civilizations, the divine wasn’t gentle or forgiving—it was colossal, terrifying, and often barely distinguishable from the chaos it governed. ANZV tap directly into that ancient worldview, not just as an aesthetic, but as a philosophy—one that embraces the raw and unknowable forces of existence rather than taming them.
With KUR, ANZV take a noticeable step forward from their 2021 debut Gallas. While that record already showcased a strong grasp of mythic themes and immersive atmosphere, their sophomore release feels more focused and deliberate. The songwriting is tighter, the production fuller, and the overall sound more commanding. There’s a noticeable depth to the pacing and structure—moments of spacious reflection are balanced by eruptions of controlled fury.
Musically, ANZV evoke shades of early Schammasch and the atmospheric weight of bands like Uada, while still maintaining a uniquely Portuguese edge reminiscent of Gaerea. Yet ANZV never feel like imitators. They’ve carved out their own space—where black metal, death, and ritualistic tension meet in a dynamic, shape-shifting form.
KUR is not just a refinement of what came before—it’s a bold step toward what’s still to come. And with this release, ANZV don’t just hold their ground—they signal that they’re only getting started.
85/100
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