Search - Arsis :: United in Regret

THE FUTURE OF MELODIC DEATH

William Wallace | Michigan | 11/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hmmmm... At first I didnt know what to think, could this cd live up to the hype of Arsis trying to top their debut. I mean after "A Diamond for Disease" their songwriting ideas seemed to be in top notch form. It will be hard for me to give a proper review at this time, because this cd simply is a ton of stuff to soak up. I've listened to it at least 5-8 times all the way through and I am still trying to figure it all out. I remember the first time I popped it in I had to turn it off because I was hungover and it was hurting my brain. This is cerebral music my friends and it seems as though Arsis have upped the ante for technicality on this album.



I would say that this album while slightly more technical than the debut has less "guitar wankery" or whatever you want to call it. It seems to me that James dialed down the hammer on's, pull off's and random soloing a little and concentrated on being more brutal, thrashy and the overall song arrangements. I would almost go to say it is less melodic than the debut. Dont freak out, of course it has all the classic Arsis sounds you would come to expect. Insanely fast, tight and technical drumming. Mind blowing guitar work, riffs and arrangements. Blackend higher pitched screams. A manic and overwhelming pace to the music. And my favorite of course, memorable solos, thoughtout leads, hammer on's and pull off's.



"Lust Before the Maggots Conquest" is by far the best song, which is strange that it stands out that much, but you can easily tell it is the catchiest and the one that sounds like "A Diamond for Disease" the most. Although, of course every song has something to offer. "I Speak Through Shadows", "The Cold Resistance" as well as the title track are other standout tunes. Just flat out awesome stuff.



The entire album is a masterwork, some of the best stuff that has ever graced my ears. I dont want to compare the two LP's to each other, cause maybe one is better than the other in certain ways. Who cares, just be happy that we have one of the leaders of melodic death metal genre coming from our country and their new album to chew on for a while. Do them a favor while your at it and buy the stinkin' album."

Arsis Did It Again

Bill Lumbergh | Initech | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Virginia's two-man technical melodeath band has another great album for you. And it's called "United In Regret".



Here's what you are going to get with this CD. 9 brilliant technical tracks that have taken lots of effort to make. This CD is more technical and less melodic than "A Celebration of Guilt", but at least Arsis knows what they are doing, even with a slight change in sound. It's not a change meant to disappoint. With unbelievable guitar and drum skills, how could you say no?



I recommend that you pick up this CD if you dig melodic death metal like At The Gates, Intestine Baalism, and early In Flames. It will also please you if you enjoy Martyr, Anata and any bands of that kind. A definite top album of 2006, I must say!"

Great

Bill Lumbergh | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is pretty much everything i hoped it would be. It's a great followup to ACOG. The only drawback is the muddy production, however this is really good. If you liked their debut then check this out."