Review: Ancst ”Abolitionist” [Lifeforce Records]

At the age of around 16 I was introduced to Hardcore music – no, not EDM… Think Turmoil, Sick of it All, Slashot and Integrity. I was instantly hooked on the attitude and persona this style took on. Alongside that I had been listening to Death Metal and Black Metal for a few years already. Not once, I kid you not, not one did I ever think to myself ‘I wonder what a mix of Hardcore and Black Metal would sound like’?

German band Ancst have evaded me since their inception. They have a substantial back catalogue of releases and do very well for themselves in the scene. In fact, they’re currently playing the Entomb all Hope shows – go check that out if you can because I’m sure it will be amazing after hearing them and watching the Dying Embers video. This brings me onto their latest E.P, Abolitionist.

I have never heard music that can be compared to this. Never. What Ancst have done is truly fantastic. By blending the two angry genres of Hardcore and Black Metal together, they’ve struck a chord in me, rekindled and old flame and burned their style into my brain. Harmonising anger, that’s what they do and it’s beautifully and viciously rendered with social and political edge.

You can find Ancst and the Abolitionist E.P on Bandcamp or their website ancstcollective. Take a good look at what’s on offer though, the digital version of Abolitionist has 4 tracks whilst the CD version has 7. I was able to enjoy all of these tracks (in a grit my teeth and mosh kind’a way) and the extra 3 tracks are well worth a little more as what you’re getting are from previous split releases with King Apathy and Depravation.

I heartily recommend Ancst to anyone who enjoys Hardcore and to those of you who currently don’t – the way this album has been sonically painted may very well spark an new flame inside you.