ANTITHESIS — Dying for Life (review)

ANTITHESIS — Dying for Life album cover Album · 2001 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Pelata
Oh yeah! Classic melodic, technical thrash lives! Ohio’s Antithesis plays a blistering brand of classic metal akin to Helstar, Sanctuary and even old Realm and Toxik. They blend choppy, thrash-like riffs, excellent guitar harmonies and lead work, tight, technical drumming and clean, yet edgy vocals into a hard hitting record that is both fresh and familiar all at once.

I really like the music on this disc, as it is reminiscent of some of my favorite bands from back in the day. I think what makes it fresh sounding now, besides the skill and conviction with which the band plays, is that hardly anyone is doing this style now. I mean, Destiny’s End is, but their directly descendent of Helstar. Antithesis are not Gothenberg influenced, not attempting to incorporate “nu metal” groove into their sound, and not trying to water down their sound for the masses. These days, they would, and do, fall under the ever-growing prog metal umbrella.

Opening cut “Soul Of Ice” starts with a great harmonized riff and strong melody. There is plenty of double kick-drum work, technical transitions and strong riffing throughout to really get your fists pumping. Vocalist Ty Cook has a strong mid-range voice with a good sense of melody and enough edge to fit right in with the music. He never relies on high screams or tries to go beyond his range. Rather, he delivers the songs with power and believability. "Distanced” begins with a tight, melodic bass and drum riff before the precision guitars come in. The melody theme is sort of old Queensryche-ish with its bass fills. The extended prog intro showcases the band’s excellent musicianship nicely. The acoustic guitar intro on “Deceiver Within” is outstanding. When the bass and drums come in, they carry the melody while the guitars add some ambient harmonics. Cook’s vocal prowess is really displayed on the intro as well. He has a smooth, clear delivery on the slow parts. When the song kicks in, the harmonized riffs are quite tasty! The epic title track, at over nine minutes, is a musical journey that needs to be taken. It goes from clean guitar melodies, to full on technical metal madness and is literally bursting with dynamics!

This is truly a refreshing metal disc. Antithesis have managed to stay true to their roots and put out a high quality metal release that doesn’t bow to current fashion. Dying For Life should be in every metal fan’s collection.
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