The Pitch: Virginia Beach technica, melodic death metal band Arsis bring some serious hooks on thier latest outing via Agonia Records. FFO: The Black Dahlia Murder, In Flames, Alterbeast
What I Like: Arsis is what The Black Dahlia Murder would sound like if Anders Fridén took over on vocals. James Malone's peircing screams have a very similar quality, and some of the riffs pull from that early 2000's Gothenburg sound as well. In other words, consider an alternate reality where In Flames decided not to start sucking and instead threw in with the modern US approach to melodeath. All of my favorite elements of both regions are on display here, from the soaring harmonized guitars to the to the techy/proggy sections that break up the more straightforward, infectious hooks. Pacing is solid, and each track manages to create its own personality. Even slower fare like "A Pulse Keeping Time With the Dark" manages to stick in my mind with interesting songwriting. There's a part that sounds like clunky gears turning over that gets me every time.
Critiques: Minor nitpick, but I'd argue this album is just a touch to long. The sweet spot for this style tends to be around 35-40 minutes imo.
The Verdict: Visitant is a killer album for fans of both new and old melodeath. Similar to The Hudson Horror, Arsis draw deep in their influences to craft something that is wholly modern while also paying tribute to foundational bands. Definitely worthy of multiple listens and purchase.
Flight's Fav's: Tricking the Gods, Easy Prey, Funereal Might
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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