Album review: White Void – Anti

Sometimes when the void calls, all you can do is answer with some sick ’70s rock riffs and melodies that could charm the Devil. Anti isn’t quite a concept album, but it is built around the central theme of Albert Camus’ theory of Absurdism. It’s the confrontation between humanity’s desire for significance and meaning on the one hand and the cold, chaotic universe on the other. ‘I am here against my goddamn will,’ hollers vocalist Lars Nedland on The Shovel And The Cross, which pretty much sets the tone.

It’s a bleak album at times. Titles like There Is No Freedom But The End and Where You Go You’ll Bring Nothing are hardly bursting with mirth, but there’s a wonderful contrast with the music itself. At times there’s a sombre, doom-kissed heft to it, but there’s also an irresistibly melodic sense of joie de vivre at play. It’s the sort of juxtaposition that Ghost do so well and the comparisons don’t stop there. There’s a definite Ghostly vibe – with a capital ‘G’ – to the likes of opener Do. Not. Sleep with its proto-metal drive and sickly-sweet hooks.

There’s also an expansive, almost prog-like sense of expansiveness, though. This Apocalypse Is For You is the shortest and punchiest moment, but even here the punky aggression is lovingly wrapped in arch gothic synths and licks of bluesy guitar. Anti is a layered album that offers both a hit of instant gratification and a gradual unveiling of hidden depths. Nedland already has ‘day job’ bands in the shape of avant-garde black metallers Solefald and a keyboard gig in Borknagar, but White Void will hopefully get the focus they deserve for this absurdly good debut.

Verdict: 4/5

For Fans Of: Ghost, The Devil’s Blood, Church Of The Cosmic Skull

Anti is released on March 12 via Nuclear Blast.

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