Antithesis - Dying for Life (2001)
On this sophomore release from Ohio's premier metal band, Antithesis, you get a straight forward in-your-face heavy metal album that pulls no punches. They do not deviate from the "progressive/power/thrash" formula set forth on their self-titled debut, but rather continue down the same path proving that if something works don't try to fix it! This is a very good thing because it is nice to see some consistency in metal bands nowdays. Lyrically you get a wide variety of topics dealing mostly with the fallen state of mankind. Antithesis are very lyrically proficient and do not sound cliché with the common "Christian" metal catch phrases that can sometimes ruin a great band in this genre. The music on here is technical, progressive and highly-skilled showing many sides to this diverse metal band. Borrowing styles from many genre's, but copying no one, Antithesis is totally original and most definitely in a league of their own. The recording on this was all done analog and breathes a breath of fresh air into a stagnant "digital" metal scene. The sonics are crisp and clear. This band never ceases to amaze me musically. The dual guitar attacks and double bass drumming with plenty of eclectic tom rolls and fills just command respect from any listener. Ty Cooks vocals couldn't sound better. I really can not compare him to anyone in particular, but I would say if you like older Tourniquet without those high pitched shrieks, then you will enjoy Ty's vocal style. I can honestly say this is one of the tightest and best sounding metal album I have heard in a long time. Listening to this cd reminds me of the great joy I had when Metallica's "Justice" album came out or after first hearing Tourniquet's "Pathogenic..." cd. Totally technical and totally enjoyable. I dig the fact that they dont follow the verse/chorus formula of most power metal but still retain an element of classic/power metal along with their very progressive thrash flair. I just can't say enough about ANTITHESIS! Utilizing a nice balance of speed and mid-tempo's Antithesis is THE metal band to watch!