The intertwining of heavy and electronic music has been going on for a very long time, resulting in droves of interesting and high quality music. From industrial metal legends like Godflesh and Ministry, to the likes of Carpenter Brut and Perturbator taking synth music in a much darker and imposing realm, and many projects in between, there’s a lot to dig into if one is so inclined. An enduring trait is the boldness to create what they want without attempting to stay within some silly preconceived musical boundaries. Some transcend genre limitations and create music that’s truly unlike any other, which leads us to the subject of The Anix.
Originally forming as an electronic rock group in 2001, the then full band released five full-lengths, with 2017’s Ephemeral traveling further down the electronic side of the coin, with heavy trance and even electro pop influences present. This was a precursor to what was to come, as founder and vocalist/guitarist/synth player/producer/jack of all trades Brandon Smith converted The Anix into a solo project, and with that, fully traversed further down the electronic road, but with many twists. This is when The Anix truly forged a defined path, doing so via the dystopian and addicting Shadow_Movement in 2018, being the first full solo album, and a landmark release that set the course. Now four albums deep into the solo realm, with each having their own distinctive flavor, we arrive at Nightvision, proving to be the latest juggernaut that further expands Smith’s influences to create infectious and thought-provoking soundscapes.
Following Revenge was no simple task – after all, it was my #3 album of 2022. With Smith being an ever focused and eclectic creator, he surely was out to devise something different, as he doesn’t know the definition of standing still. Holding true to that esteemed reputation, Nightvision emits a sound that has evolved to a more stripped down, raw approach, without losing the trademark dissonance that is a signature of The Anix. Tracks such as “Frozen Waves” and “Tethered” are methodically paced, packing an overflowing emotive force that invests the listener immediately. “Cut Me” has a little more crunch to compliment the heavy synth work, while “Bleach” and “Just Like You” embrace a darker aesthetic to form eerily downtrodden atmospheres.
For something a little quicker and heavy rock oriented, look no further than “Spit You Out” and “Army of Me” (a phenomenal interpretation of the Björk original) to quench that thirst, mixing memorable synths with an increased velocity, all without losing all important emotive textures. The brilliantly simple guitar focused “Missile” is a stripped down piece that packs a punch, intentionally recorded in one take, in order to preserve authenticity. The Anix doesn’t repeat oneself, and is never shy to take risks, both compositionally and experimentally with fresh sounds. Yet, with all of the individuality that each track possesses, Nightvision flows superbly as an album, benefiting from smart placement of each track and a general cohesiveness in the overall scope.
This may be a departure from the usual fare, but this scribe urges our fine readers to take a plunge into a project that is diverse and unlike anything your ears have come across previously. Brandon Smith is a rare talent who continuously meticulously crafts intriguing, smart, and soulful music that is constantly budding with freshness and power. The Anix has yet another brilliant release in Nightvision, and we’re sure that future releases will continue to explore new sonic horizons, and yours truly will be the first to dive in head first with whatever is next.