Album Review: Anzv – Kur

Band: Anzv
Title: Kur
Label: Edge Circle Productions
Release date:  May 30th,  2025
Country: Portugal
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording 

Album Review: Anzv – Kur via Edge Circle Productions by Consanguineus

Hailing from Porto, Anzv returns with their second album, once again diving deep into myth and ancient terror. Their name is drawn from a deity of old Mesopotamia an ancient god said to appear as a massive bird with the head of a lion, capable of breathing both fire and water. A fearsome hybrid from the dawn of civilization, and the perfect symbol for the band’s sound: untamed, and elemental.

The extreme metal scene has long had a fascination with the myths of Mesopotamia the cradle of civilization, where gods weren’t benevolent saviors but monstrous, awe-inspiring forces of chaos and creation. These cultures weren’t afraid to dream up divine beings that were truly terrifying, a far cry from the often sanitized, modern interpretations of the sacred. In that way, bands like Anzv are doing more than just drawing aesthetic inspiration; they’re reconnecting with an ancient mindset that embraced the unknown and revered the monstrous.

With their sophomore release Kur, Anzv take a significant leap forward. Stylistically, the album evokes echoes of early Schammasch, the atmospheric tension of Uada, and a touch of their fellow Portuguese countrymen Gaerea. Add to that a thick, full-bodied production, and it’s clear the band is ready to take the next step in their journey through the darker realms of metal.

Their previous album Gallas (2021) was already a compelling experience rich in mythological thematics and immersive in scope so naturally, there was some curiosity about how the band would evolve. On Kur,, the progression is undeniable. The songwriting is tighter, more focused; the compositions hit harder and with greater precision. There’s also more variation in pacing, dynamics, and atmosphere, which gives the album a stronger narrative arc compared to the debut. It feels like Anzv have sharpened their vision honing their sound into something more refined without losing the raw intensity that made their first release so captivating.

With this new release, Anzv manages to present itself well, and with an eye on the future, I can say with certainty that we haven’t heard the last from this band. 8/10

Band
Homepage
Instagram
Bandcamp
Facebook

Label
Website
Bandcamp
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

8/10 To Greatness and Glory!
**Please support the underground! It’s vital to the future of our genre**
#WeAreBlessedAltarZine
#TheZineSupportingTheUnderground