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| Buy this album |
Believe the hype. Arsis's A Celebration of Guilt is everything it's cracked up to be and probably a bit more. What makes it all the more impressive is that one man is essentially responsible for everything and that is James Malone. He does everything but play drums on this record, which are more than ably handled by Michael Van Dyne. Perhaps it is this single-mindedness that makes Mr. Malone truly crush. I've seen Arsis dubbed the rebirth of Melodic Death Metal which is at least slightly misleading as there is nothing lame on this record like anything by the Gossow-fronted Arch Enemy or the post-Whoracle version(s) of In Flames. No, this is killer Death Metal that has blindingly fast riffs and blistering drums with harsh vocals of a variety that mostly bring to mind Chuck Schuldiner. For that matter, the way the riffs run 'round the record also recall the late, great Evil Chuck. That is not to say A Celebration of Guilt is without melody, as such is present with abandon, it's just that the music offered here really is a total package. Fans of almost any strain of the virulent Death Metal genre should find much to enjoy here. Well, other than those who only worship bands like Autopsy, that is. Aggressive Thrash Metal fans will likely also rejoice at the sounds of Arsis. There are even some Black Metal leanings on display here for good measure. Earache has done wise to release Willowtip's records for non-U.S. audiences. This album will surely change minds for years to come. The musicianship is simply amazing. If you didn't know before, now you do. And to think, "arsis" means the upbeat (as opposed to the downbeat).
| Tracklist |
| 1. The Face Of My Innocence |
| 2. Maddening Disdain |
| 3. Seven Whispers Fell Silent |
| 4. Return |
| 5. Worship Depraved |
| 6. Carnal Ways To Recreate The Heart |
| 7. Dust and Guilt |
| 8. Elegant and Perverse |
| 9. The Sadistic Motives Behind Bereavement Letters |
| 10. Looking To Nothing |
| 11. Wholly Night |
: 44.20
| Buy other Arsis albums |
