ANKST
'Dystopia'
SPOOKHAUS RECORDS

The dark continent's most promising gothic export return with their sophomore album which is also the band's first full-length release under the free music model. Ankst have made significant waves beyond the borders of their homeland since the release of 2009's 'Monument', which looks set to continue with 'Dystopia'

The first noticeable thing about 'Dystopia' is the smoother style of production. The gritty edge of 'Monument' has evolved into a cleaner and more modern sound with the bass suitably high in the mix. Yet Ankst retain that ingrained heaviness that will appeal to both fans of goth metal and hard industrial alike.

Songs like 'Dig Two Graves', 'Dystopia', 'Of Little Consequence' and 'Pearls Before Swine' are strong guitar driven anthems in the vein of The Nephilim and NFD with danceable industrial embellishments that will no doubt become live favourites. Whereas 'Brave New Day', 'Flower Children (It's Too Late Now)' and 'Tribe' make use of classic gothic rock guitar that will appeal to fans of a punkier sound. A particular highlight though is the band's lusciously over-the-top rendition of A-Ha's 'Manhattan Skyline' which will no doubt provide club-goers with a slow dance or two.

There are very few bad points to pick out on this album, though the most glaring one is on 'Apocalypse Song' , where in the chorus the vocals just don't quite fit in a couple of places. As a whole though, the album is well written and well put together featuring an appealing mix of dirty guitars and entrancing electronics that should allure fans across the goth spectrum.

The album can be downloaded for free now from the band's website HERE.

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