ANZV
From the Underworld

Emerging from Porto, ANZV is a Portuguese band that has rapidly distinguished itself in the realms of black and death Metal. Formed in 2019, the group has captivated audiences with its unique fusion of raw sonic aggression and profound conceptual depth. Drawing inspiration from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, ANZV crafts music that transcends traditional genre boundaries, offering listeners an immersive experience that delves into themes of nihilism, spiritualism, and existential reflection. Their debut album, “Gallas” (2022), introduced their distinctive sound, while their sophomore release, “Kur” (2025), further refines their approach, blending intense musicality with ritualistic and atmospheric elements.

1. The name ANZV is derived from the Mesopotamian mythological figure Anzû, a divine storm bird. How does this figure influence your band's identity and thematic direction?

Anzû represents chaos, divinity, and primordial rebellion, a storm bird born of the deep waters of Abzû. That duality, the divine and the monstrous deeply resonates with ANZV’s identity. As Anzû, we confront the divine and the void, not for destruction, but to reinvent. Anzû’s act of stealing the Tablet of Destinies, disrupting cosmic order is similar to our approach, confronting the abyss to seek truth. We don’t just borrow the name, we channel its spirit as reflected in the track “Anzû”: “I am the creature, born of Abzû’s waters… I am the wind, the thunder, the southern gale.”. ANZV is all about being reborn in the middle of chaos, noise, words, with sonic emotions and spiritual embodiment of that dive into the void, to confront it and become another, or never come back at all. It's a myth reborn in music.

2. Your music seamlessly blends elements of black and death Metal with ancient Mesopotamian themes. Can you elaborate on how these genres intersect in your compositions?

We never set out to fit into any genre box. The intersection of black and death Metal in our music is organic, driven by spiritual intensity. These genres allow for extremes, dissonance, atmosphere, silence, chaos. That’s what we need to express the weight of myths like Kur. It’s not about emulating others, but becoming the void itself, as in “Alû”: “The draining of your consciousness, your dormant body staring into the void.”. That blend allowed us to sculpt a sound that is ritualistic, immersive, and emotionally raw to evoke this Sumerian psychological and ritualistic essence, making the music a portal to that experience.

3. The concept of “Kur”, the Sumerian underworld, is central to your latest album. What aspects of this mythological realm resonate with you, and how are they reflected in your music?

Kur is not a place of judgment, but a place of consequence. Souls there exist in a shadowy state, feeding on dust and clay, there is no salvation. That bleak realism resonated with us. Kur is not just mythology, but a metaphor for confronting nothingness. In “Sahar,”: “The whole remembrance of us engraved in dust.” It's existential stripping, confronting nothingness. Musically, we convey that through unsettling structures, dissonant riffs, unsettling silences and nakedly emotional vocals that express the existential stripping of the underworld. Tracks like “Shamash” and “Edimmu” act as portals to that descent, inciting fear and clarity in front of the void, guiding listeners through the terror and truth of Kur.

4. In your debut album, “Gallas”, you introduced listeners to your unique sound. How did the creative process for “Kur” differ from that of your first release?

“Gallas” was an instinctive, it came together in solitude, almost as a catharsis, without any thought of taking it live. “Kur”, however, was a deliberate, collective ritual. I (M.) laid the instrumental foundations, but the band’s input during rehearsals shaped its final form, refining transitions and dynamics. We took more time sculpting the songs, refining vocals, and creating an immersive atmosphere, with meticulous attention to vocal arrangements and production clarity. “Kur” is denser, more layered, an unified ritual and emotionally intricate, designed to pull listeners into a transformative descent, unlike the raw catharsis of “Gallas”.

5. Your music is known for its atmospheric and ritualistic qualities. How do you approach the integration of these elements into your compositions and live performances?

Atmosphere and ritual are the heart of ANZV. Where in songwriting, visuals, and performances are as important as riffs, we treat silence, dissonance, and tension equally, composing music as invocations rather than as songs. Tracks like “Ekur” with “An ominous aura of anguish weighting down on me” evoke this ritualistic descent. Live performances aren't concerts, are multi-sensory gateways to Kur. Visuals, lighting, and stage performance are meticulously planned to immerse the audience in the ritual. We don't perform to entertain, we create a realm wherein the sonic and the spiritual converge, transforming us along with the audience through the shared experience of the descent.

6. The visual aesthetics of ANZV play a significant role in your overall presentation. How do you collaborate with visual artists to ensure a cohesive artistic vision?

Our visual identity is a collective effort. Our bassist T. and guitarist N. are deeply involved in visual creation, and our vocalist A. creates much of the artwork, including the “Kur” album artwork. I provide the conceptual direction, ensuring everything ties into the spiritual and mythological intent. Every visual, from videos to body language on stage, is an extension of the sound. Nothing is random, the elements on the artwork, live visuals, all is symbolic and intentional. This collaborative process ensures a unified vision that amplifies the ritualistic experience.

7. The track "Shamash" has garnered attention for its ritualistic approach. Can you discuss the inspiration behind this song and its place within the context of “Kur”?

"Shamash" wasn’t meant to be the first single but emerged as the perfect entry for “Kur”. Inspired by the Mesopotamian sun god and soul collector, it represents the transition from life to death, a journey through darkness toward divine truth, as in the lyrics: “Let your eyes behold death. Let your eyes glimpse the breast of Aruru, your creator”. Its serene yet colliding textures, paired with thick lyrical content, yield to an eerie harmony that sets the tone for the album's descent. The accompanying video, envisioned by A., shows Shamash as a reaper, haunting souls, such as an unrelenting force, enhancing the song's role as an entrance into Kur's underworld.

8. Your live performances are described as immersive experiences. How do you prepare for these shows to ensure they align with the thematic elements of your music?

We rehearse with intention, focused, as if each show was a ritual. The rehearsals are about building a collective energy, refining the setlist as a journey to descent, rather than an artificial list of songs. Visuals, lighting, and even our stage presence are crafted to evoke Kur’s atmosphere, echoing lines like “The ancient whispers of the forgotten rites” from “Edimmu”. Being intimate as a band allows us to layer these elements deliberately so the audience can be drawn into a transformative experience. We do not intend to act, but to call forth, drawing all into the spiritual and sonic abyss.

9. The Portuguese Metal scene has a rich history. How do you perceive ANZV's role within this landscape, and what influences from the local scene have shaped your sound?

I've been actively engaged with the underground scene in Portugal since I was 11 years old because of a venue in my hometown where, in the '90s, the most significant bands of the time played, many of the which remain active today. This early exposure shaped my passion for extreme underground music and its raw, unfiltered energy.

ANZV, however, carves its own path, diving into Mesopotamian mythos to create something distinct. We see ourselves as being in a larger flow, as geography is concerned. Still, the Portuguese scene, and some of nowadays powerful acts (some of who we shared the stage with), inspire us through their commitment and craftsmanship. But ANZV doesn't imitate, we dive into our own mythos. Our role is to challenge and summon, injecting a unique voice that combines existential depth with sonic power, contributing to diversity on the scene.

10. Looking ahead, what directions do you envision for ANZV's future releases and performances? Are there any new themes or concepts you wish to explore?

We are still immersed in “Kur”. Its echoes continue to speak, and we listen. Future directions will come from emotional and spiritual necessity, not strategy. New myths or symbols may emerge, new paths may unfold, but always from within. Our only certainty is that ANZV will continue to explore the dark, the sacred, and the raw truth, wherever that descent may lead.

Closure

ANZV stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Metal music, where ancient mythologies and modern sonic expressions converge. Their commitment to blending intense musicality with profound conceptual themes has established them as a unique entity within the genre. As they continue to explore and expand upon the rich tapestry of Mesopotamian lore, ANZV invites listeners to embark on a journey that challenges perceptions and delves into the depths of existential thought. Their forthcoming endeavours promise to further enrich the Metal community with innovative and thought-provoking artistry.

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