Arsis, as musicians know it, is described as a musical term meaning silence. Silence may mean various things to different people. Many relate silence to a feeling of peace. Some may also view silence as a time of somber emotions. There are also some out there who consider silence to be their worst enemy; it surrounds them and holds them captive in a shell of emotion. I myself have selected silence to mean all of the aforementioned. Silence is a time to rest; a time to reflect; a time to fear. Arsis, in the world of heavy metal, is the ultimate embodiment of those emotions in music. Arsis is an experience of throat-clenching brutality, mind-boggling musical skill, and awe-inspiring melodies.
Not enough can be said about a band like Arsis, especially when they consistently push the boundaries of what is expected out of a songwriter. If
A Celebration of Guilt didn't have you banging your head and begging for more, then
A Diamond for Disease will hit you like a freight train. From the very beginning as the title track fades in with a flurry of guitar with a soft cello backing and abruptly transitions to a brutal metal onslaught, it is apparent how much this band has grown over time. Everything contained on their debut album - from the technical riffing to the incredible soloing to the gut-wrenching drumming - is here in profusion. It is the new elements included and how they've been intricately intertwined that makes this the inconceivable spectrum of metal that it is. Clean guitars, classical elements, vocal improvements, and the writing variation all contribute greatly to the EP's musical stability. The main structure of the song is built around brutal death metal riffing and drumming. Guitar harmonies and solos are dispersed throughout giving a heavy song a much-needed melodic edge. Clean guitar parts add a mellow, somber feel while Jim's vocals are as sharp and fitting as ever. With so many parts and such a wide variety of sounds on a single song, it seems as though Arsis has a progressive side. While
A Diamond for Disease is in itself an astonishing presentation, the two following songs are right on par.
As usual, this EP contains a cover of a classic metal artist, this time Alice Cooper. However, by listening to
Roses on White Lace, one would never know that it was a 1987 song re-hashed into a brutal metal performance. More elaborate riffing and guitar leads highlight a song with beastly drumming and bright soloing. The songs roots do show through in several aspects, however. The drumming patterns and soloing have a very rock n' roll feel to them, which provides a nice break from the usually extreme atmosphere. The second brand new release
The Promise of Never, is quite possibly the fastest and most well-flowing song Arsis has ever unleashed. Their usually high standards of musicianship were set at overdrive as the entire song whips by at 250 mph. The mellow chorus is reminiscent of such classic songs as
Maddening Disdain and
Wholly Night while still containing an all-new, completely original sound.
Despite an endless array of metal aspects, the rate at which the band pounds through each song leads to what is probably their only downfall. Though clocking in at 20 minutes, this release only has three songs. Since one of which is a cover, that leaves a mere two new songs released upon the world. This is an EP, so this should be expected. But now that we've heard another two masterpieces from this Virginia-based band, all fans can do is sink back into a depression at the thought of having to wait months to hear more. This problem is amplified by an issue carried over from their last album - songs are simply too short. The title track is the obvious exception, but
The Promise of Never doesn't even break the three-minute mark. The riffs and solos blow past so quickly that it feels as though the band cut the song short when they could've easily gone on for another minute or two.
Despite the few faults it has,
A Diamond for Disease is sure to continue on the trail that
A Celebration of Guilt left off on. Arsis has always driven themselves to metal perfection using a fast, brutal sound, incredible musical skill, and an amazing finesse for melodic songwriting. Any metalhead remotely interested in melodic death metal (At the Gates fans especially) or even heavy metal in general owes it to himself to check out Arsis. With the newest establishment in what will most assuredly be a long career in music, Arsis shows no signs of slowing down; only a promise that one day, America will be recognized as an important country in melodic death metal. Perhaps one day more bands will take notice of the example that has been set and model themselves after the style of Arsis. Until then, Arsis is doing just that. Silencing metal bands worldwide with a new view of what melodic death metal should be.
Recommended tracks:
Save yourself the trouble and just buy the thing.
Pros:
- Extremely high musicianship
- Fast, heavy riffs music for the entire duration
- Well-written harmonies and memorable melodic moments
- Creative and original - this stuff stands out
- Bada
ss cover art
Cons:
- Too short
Enjoy. This is a silence that truly must be heard.
Your best review yet. 
