Anphisbena
Opera IX · 2004
64 min · 10 tracks · black metal
A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and ancient themes, steeped in mysticism and dark melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Serpent’s Nemeton — This track exemplifies the band's signature style, combining intricate guitar work with atmospheric keyboards that create a mystical ambiance central to the album's theme.
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In Hoc Signo Sanguinis — With its powerful riffs and dramatic shifts in tempo, this song captures the essence of Oper IX's blend of aggression and atmosphere, making it a standout anthem on the album.
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Battle Cry — The longest track on the album, it showcases the band's ability to construct an epic narrative through music, intertwining heavy instrumentation with haunting melodies.
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Anphisbena — The title track encapsulates the thematic core of the album, weaving together complex arrangements that reflect both darkness and beauty in its composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Anphisbena showcases strong composition and craft with its blend of black metal and folklore elements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity, setting a dark and mystical tone.
- Several tracks feature layered vocals, alternating between harsh screams and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast.
- The use of traditional instruments alongside electric guitars adds an ancient, folkloric element to the sound.
- The final track is a lengthy composition that combines various themes from earlier songs, providing a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting atmospheres that linger
- immersive narratives of ancient lore
- dark melodies for introspective moments
- cathartic releases in long tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, Anphisbena was Opera IX's fifth studio album, showcasing their evolution as a band since their debut in 1995. This album followed the critically acclaimed album The Black Opera, marking a period of artistic maturation and thematic depth in their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Behemoth· Dimmu Borgir· Cradle of Filth
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Many Moons Ago 1:38
- 2 The Serpent’s Nemeton 6:42
- 3 The Prophecy 6:10
- 4 In Hoc Signo Sanguinis 8:31
- 5 Immortal Chant 6:47
- 6 Scell Lem Duibh 1:59
- 7 In the Sixth Tower 4:48
- 8 Battle Cry 10:55
- 9 Anphisbena 7:42
- 10 One Rode to Asa Bay 9:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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