2.
Anaal Nathrakh - Passion
This was difficult for me, but after a lot of listening and thinking, Anaal Nathrakh is my #2 for this year. And it's really hard because I honestly think this is my favorite album from them since The Codex Necro, or maybe tied with Hell Is Empty. I say that because I feel like it's really a return to chaotic, abrasive, apocalyptic sounding songs. I mean, even more-so than normal. It also features the best Anaal Nathrakh guest track ever. Honestly, it's insane how good Bethlehem's vocalist does on "Tod Huetet Uebel" that it's almost scary. But at the end of the day, Passion should satisfy every Anaal Nathrakh fan. Fans of each album, fans of the soaring vocals, fans of the harsh vocals, fans of the insane drumming, fans of the explosive intensity that comes from nowhere, etc. I am so excited for my favorite band in 2012.
Highlight:
Post Traumatic Stress Euphoria,
Drug-Fucking Abomination