Antania, “Doom Bass” duo of darkness to unleash the beautifully toxic, “The Unholy 33” late summer 2026
Contrary to the plethora of electronic metal projects out there, Antania’s mastermind Dr Luna, has always stayed on this side of innovation, consistently riding the line between black/dystopian bass lines and blast beats with the heaviest electronics in the vein of Author and Punisher, Godflesh mixed with sadistic and brutal content that rival the most disturbing of Black Metal. Much like the crossover metal band Thorns from the early 2000’s (Kali Mortem reminds of a female version of Snorre W. Ruch), Antania’s intelligence has been just as much in song construction as instrument construction, having put their experience as mechanical Deathtronica to the configuration of Dr Luna’s “death beat machines.” This skill has allowed Antania a flexibility in their compositions, with albums like The God Complex and 3AM 666 boasting formidable anthemic brutality. Antania’s unreleased The Unholy 33 takes a unique concept and spins it for a trip down extreme distortion bass Lane. We are also treated again to a completely unpolished mastering that Antania likes to flex. I personally love this approach although partners around me think Antania would do better with a polished sound. I agree with Antania here as I have heard many bands polish their sound and lose the edge.
A leaner, more concise album than 3AM 666, The Unholy 33 is another step from the transhumanism of Antania’s pedigree into more organic territory – although undoubtedly owing its success to its history. It steps outside Antania’s comfort zone, the composition of The Unholy 33 is a metaphorical homage to the dark world of violence and Antania’s type of dark edge reminds me more of Suicidal Tendencies “I Saw Your Mommy” as opposed to the traditional violence of black metal. Antania is mean and has mastered the art of brutal bass lines and absolutely toxic lyrics. The Unholy 33 is a romp through everything that makes Antania unique – and more.
Antania’s dynamics have always been a force to be reckoned with, elevating their already crushing evil/doom/industrial/bass attack to colossal proportions, The Unholy 33 is no exception. Antania offers some of its most accessible content since “Black Glitch Six”, mammoth slam beats guiding the movement between these two extremes. Kali Mortem is seething and venomous with a lyrical Content that is filled with vitriol and rage. Antania likes to pull listeners into a false sense of surreal melody only to blast out the speakers with intense distortion Sub bass, punishing tracks will get your head moving in slow motion weight (“33,” “Frazzledrip”, DVHM3R”), more thoughtful compositions bathe you in off-kilter rhythms and reverb-laden death trap (“SnowAngel,” “Hearse”), and crawling brooding flocks offer eerie environs of darkness and doom with “Kultz” and “Cyclops2.”
In his review for 3AM 666, the illustrious magazine Earmilk observed that Antania’s albums seem to alternate between anthemic and ambitious. The Unholy 33 finds Antania firmly embracing the former – but with a uniquely powerful touch. This album will mercilessly crush you in the same way The God Complex and Lividity did, as well as the influences Godflesh, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails have done for years, and in a way that proposes new avenues for Antania moving forward. The Unholy 33 is a fist raised to the dark night sky, a poetic eye cast to the dark infernal realms below, and one hell of a statement.
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