The Daily Grind is the German band's second CD, and first for Metal Blade Records. The songs are typical deathcore, with blast beats and nearly constant breakdowns. The musicianship is solid, and you'll hear several creative riffs, but there's also a lot of repetition.
There are times on the CD where Anima tries something different, like the extended guitar section and solo on "A Wrong Person To Trust In," an unexpected and interesting twist to what to that point had been three minutes of breakdowns.
Anima does have some variety in vocals. There are low pitched death metal growls and high pitched black metal screams, both of which are effective. The Daily Grind has its moments, especially on the second half of the CD, but Anima needs more originality and fewer deathcore cliches.
(released September 2, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
