Apostolum

As much as Apostolum’s Anedonia keens and raves, the release is actually rather charming. Gloomy and lo-fi, Anedonia feels more demo than album, right down to the slightly messy but sincere cover of Katatonia’s "Brave.” Italy’s Apostolum is as much doom as black metal, with a gothic accent that suits the band’s depressing emotional and psychological subject matter. The songs may be rough around the edges but the core is sound: memorable riffs, haunting melodies, moving laments. Even the Muppet death cries in "Anxiety Attack” can’t undo Anedonia’s (or the song’s) appeal. This lengthy EP is only the band’s second recording, following up a demo from 2005, promising future pleasures.