By Justin Smulison
Anchorite is a collective of European musicians who create powerful, epic doom metal that pays homage to the genre’s founders while maintaining a modern sonic quality. Formed in late 2018, the quartet features the talents of vocalist Leo Stivala (Forsaken, ex-Reflection) bassist Peter Svensson and drummer Marcus Rosenkvist (who comprise the rhythm section of Void Moon and Assassin’s Blade) and Danish guitarist Martin Jepsen Andersen.
As a fan of Andersen’s work in hard rock/metal mainstays Meridian and his heavy blues group, Blindstone, my interest was immediately piqued when the axeman began teasing clips over the summer of Anchorite’s second album, Realm of Ruin. Released in August by Personal Records (a Mexican label), this eight-track LP lived up to my expectations, highlighted by crunching riffs that set the template of dual-harmonic leads and tempos that pick up to a trad-metal gallop. What’s more, the band cement their top-level status by featuring a guest appearance from legendary Mercyful Fate guitarist, Michael Denner.
Realm of Ruin also marked the first time I had heard Stivala and was impressed by the Maltese vocalist’s ability to seamlessly sound menacing and melodic as he bellows tales of despair, psychosis, the supernatural and religious strife.
I was delighted to reconnect with Andersen and to meet Stivala to talk about Realm of Ruin, which is topping various international charts and playlists. We discuss the making of the album, lyrical themes and inspiration, and what fans can expect from these metal devotees in the future. HORNS UP!
Song clips: “Realm of Ruin,” “Room In The Mirror.”
Anchorite:
www.facebook.com/anchoritedoom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmEYeQ4FsWErqvy9umdYXQ
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