Review by Adam on February 14, 2005.

I have been looking forward to this release ever since I can remember and as I expected, this is one of the most innovative and crushing death metal albums to come out in quite a while. Anata is part of that special breed of death metal bands that can write an entire album without the music becoming tedious or boring before it’s over. It is all part of the progressive genius that is Anata’s Under a Stone with No Inscription.

This band is so talented it is ridiculous. Each member is a pro at his respective instrument. The great thing about the production is that you can actually hear the bass guitar. Many death metal bands suffer from an overwhelming amount of treble but thankfully Anata got it just right.

The overall style of Under a Stone with No Inscription is fairly progressive. The band is quite sneaky when it comes to throwing time signature changes around. From start to finish, however, this is an uncompromisingly brutal record sure to please any death metal fan. The great thing about Anata is that they play in such an interesting and unique way that they won’t have to worry about their fan-base being limited simply to these kinds of fans alone.

Anata are on the path to death metal supremacy. Under a Stone with No Inscription is an incredible album that should have little to no trouble making its way into people’s top ten lists by the end of the year. Get ready to be amazed.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.6 out of 10