AOTW | 30 October – 1 November: Anubi – Kai pilnaties akis užmerks mirtis

The featured album for this year’s SUNNbleach is a somewhat obscure black metal release from Lithuania called Kai pilnaties akis užmerks mirtis. This is the only full-length release from the band Anubi, whose frontman Lord Ominous died in a boating accident in Lake Michigan in March 2002. Coming out in 1997, Kai pilnaties akis užmerks mirtis merged the styles of second-wave black metal akin to Master’s Hammer with Lithuanian folk music, predating bands such as Negura Bunget and Agalloch. The album is full of ruminations on mysticism and death, with a substantial influence from Egyptian mythology (as can be seen by the band name).

Kai pilnaties akis užmerks mirtis is one of the most eclectic albums in second-wave black metal. Don’t let the word “folk” make you think you’ll be hearing Ulver’s Bergtatt. Kai pilnaties akis užmerks mirtis utilizes syncopated bass leads, saxophone, dark ambient, a capella folk chants, and piano – all within the context of black metal. You won’t hear any Dark Funeral thrashers (outside of “Gyvenimo Kritimą Dovanosim Krankliui”); Anubi is a lot more winding without leaning into “progressive metal” territory. This release is highly recommended for anyone who considers themselves interested in black metal, given its importance in the Eastern European black metal scene and its highly unorthodox but immensely rewarding compositional style.

Check it out below: