ORIGIN — Antithesis (review)

Album · 2008 · Technical Death Metal

4/5 · 2018-09-07
UMUR

"Antithesis" is the 4th full-length studio album by US death metal act Origin. The album was released through Relapse Records in April 2008. It´s the successor to "Echoes of Decimation" from 2005 and features a couple of lineup changes since the predecessor. Guitarist Clint Appelhanz has been replaced by Jeremy Turner and drummer James King has been replaced by a John Longstreth. Both replacements returning after not having been part of the band for a couple of years.

The music on the album is predominantly ultra fast and blasting technical death metal. There are some slower and crushingly heavy mid-paced parts on the album too, but they are few (some sections from the 9:32 miutes long title track, which closes the album, could be mentioned). The vocals are deep unintelligible growls and higher pitched aggressive screaming. To my ears especially the growling vocals are a bit monotone and I miss some aggression in that vocal approach so it´s nice when the band decide to put in a few higher pitched screams for variation.

My slight issue with the growling vocals aside "Antithesis" is overall a very impressive album. The riffs are played with clinical precision and technical skill that´s beyond what you´ll usually hear in an already very technical sub genre of death metal. There is no doubt that Origin are one of the fastest playing and most innovative acts when it comes to brutal technical death metal. I´ve mentioned the riffs but the drums are also supernaturally fast played and delivered with precision that´s admirable. The whole thing is a bit cold and clinical but the playing style suits the sci-fi themed lyrics and image of the band.

The sound production (which is otherwise professional and generally well sounding) unfortunately lacks a bit of dynamic and the tracks have a tendency to sound a bit too much the same as a consequence of that. Especially the more "regular" blasting parts on the tracks sound a bit too similar in style. It´s definitely not an easy listening experience, but given enough spins the tracks begin to be easier to tell apart. Variation is not the strength of the album though.

Despite a few issues "Antithesis" is still close to the premier league of brutal techncial death metal albums. So while I still think the band could focus a bit more on variation instead of monotone brutality, the album deserves a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating. When Origin chose to lower the pace or play more rhythmically varied parts they shine and memorable moments even occur in the chaos of ultra fast technical riffing, growling vocals, and blasting drums (tracks like "The Aftermath", "Wrath of Vishnu" and the title track stand out as some of the highlights). I hope the band will develop that part of their sound further on subsequent releases. With a bit more variation in the songwriting department there is no limit to how great this band can become. They certainly have the technical skills and creativity to pull it off.