Even in these modern times, creativeness still appears like grass growing from the cracks on concrete. Yes, we need bands with new and different works, because Metal can't be entangled in the past. Bands such as the North American trio LO-RUHAMAH can be said as the ones who make things new. After ten years since their first full-length (2007's "The Glory of God"), they are back with "Anointing".

Imagine a band of Death/Black Metal with a raw insight of their music, but using Post-Black Metal and even Progressive Rock influences. You'll have an idea of what they are creating: a somber and brutal musical work, with fine instrumental technique. It's truly different, because the vocals are not made of grunts or shrieks, but with a strange form of deeper tunes on singing; the guitars are sounding harsh and melodic at the same time, with technical and charming riffs; and a heavy and brutal work from bass guitar and drums. It reminds a bit works from bands as ABIGAIL WILLIAMS and WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, but not as a copy, but in creativeness.

The only complaint I have is about the sound quality. With such amazing work, they deserved something clearer and with a better way of balancing the musical weight, the aggressiveness and melodic lines of the trio. It's not so bad, but it could be in a better way, not as raw as we hear on the album. The artwork created by Elijah Tamu is really amazing as well, catching the meaning of their musical work.

The sensation that we have when hearing "Anointing" is like a transcendental and spiritual experience, because the musical complexity really seduces us in many different forms. Songs as "Mouth" (a blackened procession of grief and terror, adorned with nasty and charming guitar riffs and melodic arrangements), the introspective and melancholic feeling of "Sibilant Chorus", the heavy and aggressive grasp of "Charisma" (with its good work from vocals, using some extreme shrieks in some parts), the bitter slowness of the tempo on "Vision and Delirium" (obviously, there are some faster parts, and bass guitar and drums are really great on this song), the raw and depressive melodies of "Lidless Eye", and the Progressive and experimental insight used on "Aeon" (using even some female voices and agonizing screams) are proof that they are a great band, just waiting for their chance.

"Anointing" is a very good album, so listen to it loud!