I’m back with another modern metalcore monster! If you know me, you know I have a penchant for this whole metalcore revival scene that’s happening right now, and I can’t think of too many doing it better than A Needle Under the Nail!
I was introduced to ANUTN through The Coming Strife Records. Wish I was cool enough to say I heard their demo when it dropped in 2017, but alas. Poser alert. But when I heard those vocals kick in on The Third Impact I knew I was in for it.
Not tojust dickride on Kyler and hype up theBloodbather connection, but there is honestly no one doing vocals like theirs on records like this right now. Their entire discography is a tour de force vocal showcase over top of some of the 90-iest metalcore riffs of all time. It’s 100% out of place in 2022 and 100% peak revivalism.
I try my best to keep up with what’s happening in current year, and honestly up there with Serration and this like is ANUTN. It’s total nostalgia worship wrapped in HR Giger worship. It’s not trying to hard, but definitely smart and self aware. Just an incredible amount of dynamism packed in to two short works of ass-beatery.
I think it’s fun when things that don’t take themselves too seriously turn out incredible. Spare me the meme bands, and bring me stuff with a non conventional theme.
The panic chords. The breakdowns. The frantic vocals. The breakdowns. The TONE baby. It’s just everything fun about revival. I think it’s some of the strongest in the scene right now. The demo is like a *classic* demo. Rough around the edges and just straight to the point. And incredible amount of worldbuilding on this thing. Really sets the stage for what you’re going to hear on Third Impact. And if you’re familiar with the era of metalcore this band is steeped in, you’ll just find yourself laughing no step. It’s so over the top. Then Third Impact comes in and just lays waste.
As usual, Zach atThird Eye Studios did an incredible job of polishing up these recording without losing any of the charm. It doesn’t make it too clean, but brings out some low end and adds some dynamics. It’s recognizable but totally better, haha.
And the art! The art! This is a 50/50 job between øjeRum and Kai at Lab 13. The base pieces were classic Oejerum, and Kai just chopped them up and really executed in the vision. I think it’s so incredible fitting within their discography. Nods to their previous arts, lofi edge, color continuity. Keeps some sci-fi vibes but adds a bit of regality. The font choices, the layout, all of it I think it really well articulated and fitting for the discography!
As always, This one-time pressing is limited to 305 copies across five variants. There will be three "Signature Series" variants limited to 50 copies each, a non-signature but handmade variant limited to 50 copies, and 100 of a splatter or something comparable. The band will be given "Member Mages" and "Golden Mages" for future promotions and resale.
All of this housed in:
1.5x thickness Matte single pocket jackets
Double sided matte full color insert
Black polylined innersleeves
Gold foil numbering
Stuffed into polybags
For reference, this project started before The Yellow Sign. It’s been a long time in the making, and I’d really like to thank the ANUTN crew for the patience and trust. Orders go live on Monday, September 19th at 1;00pm CST. See ya there!
