Hell Is Empty and All the Devils Are Here cover

Released 19 years ago this October

Hell Is Empty and All the Devils Are Here

Anaal Nathrakh · 2007

35 min · 11 tracks · black metal

A cacophony of blistering guitars and guttural vocals, merging chaos with darkly poetic lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen — This track stands out for its dramatic operatic intro that contrasts sharply with the ensuing aggressive instrumentation, illustrating the band's ability to blend beauty and brutality.
  • →
    Virus Bomb — The song exemplifies the band's signature style through its relentless tempo changes and haunting melodies, capturing the chaotic essence of the album.
  • →
    Lama Sabachthani — With its unsettling atmosphere and lyrical depth, this track explores themes of despair and abandonment, making it a poignant centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of chaos and melody showcases strong writing and production, making it a notable entry in black metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rapid-fire blast beat that persists through the first three tracks, creating an immediate sense of urgency.
  • Vocals alternate between guttural growls and high-pitched shrieks, often layered to create a chaotic texture.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Virus Bomb,' which transitions from intense speed to slower, more melodic sections.
  • The final track includes a lengthy ambient outro that contrasts sharply with the preceding aggression, providing a moment of reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Solifugae 1:05
  • 2 Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen 3:39
  • 3 Screaming of the Unborn 2:46
  • 4 Virus Bomb 3:35
  • 5 The Final Absolution 3:55
  • 6 Shatter the Empyrean 3:04
  • 7 Lama Sabachthani 3:48
  • 8 Until the World Stops Turning 2:53
  • 9 Genetic Noose 3:34
  • 10 Sanction Extremis (Kill Them All) 3:32
  • 11 Castigation and Betrayal 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata