BY STEVE THIRIOT
In a genre that has seen many imitators but few innovators, Antirope's debut album, "Amnesia," is a breath of fresh, albeit beautifully polluted, air. Birthed in Munich and crafted under the watchful eye of seasoned producer Patrick Fleischer, the sound weaved by this quintet is nothing short of a metallic revelation.
Drawing inspiration from titans like Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, and Neurosis, Antirope has still managed to manufacture a unique sonic identity. "Amnesia" isn't merely a record; it's an evocative experience that combines the spiritual anguish of doom metal with the pensive atmosphere of post-metal, producing an alternative metal masterpiece that speaks to the heart, mind, and soul.
Album Highlights:
"Is This The End" kicks things off with a simmering intro that gradually heats up, enveloping listeners in a melancholic embrace. The track's slow build is a deliberate tease, setting the stage for what's to come.
“Dead Sun” is a three-minute journey that captures the essence of the album in its brevity. The rawness of the vocals paired with its haunting riffs showcases the band's expertise in blending heaviness with poignant lyrical content. Gives me a remenisant feeling of old school Bush.
"Beautiful Liar" brings forth the band's psychedelic influences, its lengthier runtime giving listeners an opportunity to lose themselves in its captivating soundscapes. Antirope beautifully mixes darkness with beauty, harshness with softness on this track.
"Amnesia" the title track, emerges as the Pièce de Résistance of the album. It encapsulates everything Antirope stands for. Its ebbing and flowing tempo, paired with passionate vocals and intricate instrumentation, truly defines the album's ethos.
"Utopia" closes the album in grand fashion. At nearly eight minutes, it's a sprawling epic that ensures the listener remains ensnared in its web. The final notes echo long after they've stopped, a testimony to Antirope's songwriting prowess.
In an era saturated with bands striving to fit within pre-established confines, Antirope's "Amnesia" boldly rebukes this convention. It's not just a collection of songs; it's an odyssey. It journeys through the highs and lows, the beauty and cruelty of life. "Amnesia" is a triumphant reminder of what happens when a band isn't afraid to push boundaries and wear their heart on their sleeve.
"Amnesia" is not only a testament to Antirope's raw talent but also a flag-bearer for the evolution of alternative metal. If this is just the beginning for Antirope, the future looks not only bright but sonically exhilarating.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY