“ANIMETAL is a rare album that doesn’t just push boundaries; it obliterates them, delivering a listening experience that’s as fun as it is ferocious“

Words by Felix Bartlett | April 09, 2025

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Within Destruction’s ANIMETAL is a dazzling, unapologetic explosion of colour and chaos that defies all expectations. The Slovenian trio, once known for their brutal deathcore roots, have fully embraced their transformation into anime-inspired metalcore visionaries, crafting an album that’s as unpredictable as it is infectious.

From the very first chant of the title track ‘ANIMETAL,’ it’s clear this isn’t just another heavy record—it’s a high-energy, genre-blurring odyssey that merges J-rock hooks, electronic beats, and crushing breakdowns into something entirely its own. The band’s willingness to lean into theatrics and melody pays off spectacularly, with tracks like ‘Bitter Embrace’ and ‘Cybergirl’ balancing emotional vulnerability with razor-sharp riffing and synth-laden atmospheres.

What makes ANIMETAL so compelling is its refusal to be boxed in. One moment, you’re lost in the melancholic, almost dreamlike ‘A Love That Slowly Died,’ with its soaring clean vocals and shimmering electronics, and the next, you’re thrown into the mosh-ready fury of ‘Torment’ or the nu-metal-tinged ‘Fate // Separate.’ The album’s seamless blend of aggression and melody feels like a natural evolution for the band, with Rok Rupnik’s vocal range—from guttural growls to anthemic cleans—adding layers of depth to each track. Even the most experimental moments, like the techno-infused ‘Stay 4ever,’ never feel out of place, instead serving as proof of Within Destruction’s fearless creativity.

Fans of Ice Nine Kills or Motionless in White will find plenty to love here, particularly in the album’s cinematic storytelling and larger-than-life energy. Yet, Animetal never feels derivative—it’s a singular vision, one that embraces anime tropes and hyper-stylised production without ever becoming a parody. The band’s ability to shift from crushing heaviness to euphoric pop-metal hooks (‘Incomplete‘) or even drum-and-bass-adjacent beats (‘Kanashibari‘) is nothing short of impressive, making each song a surprise in the best way possible.

By the time the album closes with the haunting, synth-driven ‘A Love That Slowly Died,’ it’s clear that Within Destruction have fully committed to this new era—and it’s a gamble that pays off spectacularly. 

ANIMETAL is a rare album that doesn’t just push boundaries; it obliterates them, delivering a listening experience that’s as fun as it is ferocious. Whether you’re a diehard fan of their early work or a newcomer drawn in by the anime aesthetic, this record demands to be played loud, embraced without irony, and celebrated for its sheer audacity. Within Destruction have changed the game, taking fans both new and old into their world for one hell of a ride.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀

For fans of: Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills, BABYMETAL

ANIMETAL is released on April 9 via Sumerian Records