Arsis started up late 2000 / early 2001 so they are truly a new band on the scene, only having released some demo recordings
before this first full-length album. This first full-length release confirmed the band as being a full time project for its 
members.

For the most part, before hearing this album I was in the dark as to what to expect. The extent of discussion surrounding the
release was about as much as;

- ‘Yeah, its good death metal’ and
- ‘It’s going to be one of the better releases this year’
I enjoy having no real expectations when I first hear an album, it gives me a fresh chance to really form my own opinion and
not be tainted by the opinions of those I respect (or don’t respect I guess).

I will have to start with the first track that really caught my attention. ‘Maddening Disdain’ is well-harmonized song, 
which engulfs the listener in an undulating rhythmic pattern. Arsis seems to use their pummeling melodies to lure listeners 
into a false sense of security, and then attack them with pictures of a blackened life of confusion and deception as is 
highlighted in this particular track.

The breakdowns in the song are particularly effective with their reflective feel and pensive guitar tunings. These passages 
emphasize high paced and urgent feel ‘Maddening Disdain’ has. For the most part, Arsis conveys a Gothenburg influenced 
melodic-death sound. However, I will qualify this by saying it is no more than an influence. There are many dissimilarities 
between the two, namely in song structure and production. Rather, the influences seem to be over individual musicianship. In 
comparison to something well known like Arch Enemy, the sound is much flatter, with a less mechanic and dry guitar tuning. 
The production agrees the guitar tunings with a blunted drumming sound.

Specifically, in regard to the music, there are plenty of well-worked guitar solos that deliver technicality, melody and 
‘feel’. There are also plenty of interesting riffs, so the thrash listeners aren’t disappointed. My only real gripe is with
the way some of the solos are integrated into the songs. They are sometimes awkwardly timed or introduced, lacking the 
correct hooking riff into it. Other than that, Arsis are more than capable.

The vocals I am finding hard to describe. I have heard comparisons to Tomas Lindberg, and although I can see influence, 
there is a totally different emotional feel, or should I say, nowhere near the same emotional effect. The vocals are a 
rasping style death, almost like a mix between the delivery of Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy) and the vocal pitch of Walker from 
Carcass, but not as exacerbated as either of these.

Lyrically, Arsis, among other issues concentrate on reflections, sorrow, deception (as mentioned above) and insecurity, all '
of which are developed in ‘The Sadistic Motives Behind Bereavement Letters’. I find the lyrics to this track intriguing, 
more so than any other because of the obscure way it treats its theme – grieving loss and the life beyond it.

Overall, I’d probably give the album 7.5 or 8 out of 10. It is interesting and unique, without being ground breaking. All 
the members are capable in their respective areas and it is an album, which is growing on me.

Check it out if you enjoy things like;
Carcass – Heartwork
The Forsaken – Traces Of The Past and
At the Gates influenced works.