Earlier this year, I reviewed a group called Inexorum which in my opinion is one of the best u.s melodic black metal albums of the year.  The songwriting and production is absolutely outstanding and if you have not checked them out.  Please do.  Now, on to Antiverse.  Antiverse features two members of Inexorum, Carl Skildum and Matthew Kirkwold.  Under the Regolith opens up with “Hallucigenia” which right off the bat pummels you with some really gorgeous fretboard work.  The group describes their sound as a mix of older Megadeth, Hypocrisy, Dissection and even Naglfar. You get this really cool mix of technical thrash with melodic black metal tinges.

I cannot say enough positive things about the song arrangements on this release. There is not a track on this that I don’t find myself head banging. “Crimson Codex” opens up with my favorite riff on the album which sounds like it could have come right from Jeff Hanneman right of Reign in Blood.  Don’t think so? Listen to the song! The transition from the opening riff to the second riff is quite well done and mixes two unique styles into one.  The drum work of Mike Paradise is outstanding throughout and the fills on this particular track along with the driving double kick parts are metal as fuck. Much like Inexorum, the overall sound of Antiverse really stands out.

It is worth noting that both the latest Inexorum  and Antiverse were mastered by the great Allan Douches.  “Black Waves of Sorcery” might be the thrashiest track on the album.  Circle Pit City. Bassist Jason Bauer makes his presence felt on this track for sure. One of the catchiest choruses on the album.  The title track, “Under of the Regolith” is the longest on the album and has one of the best builds from riff to riff. I can hear the Dissection influence on this one and also Megadeth.  It’s really quite unique, like a colder Rust in Peace or a warmer Somberlain.

When do you ever hear a hammered dulcimer on a metal record? Well, this one has it. “Diaspora” is a gorgeous instrumental that features that particular instrument.  This track transitions quite well into, “Derelicts”. This track features some fantastic guitar layering and arpeggiation that transitions well into a cool lead part that builds into main meat and potatoes of the song. Antiverse are one of those bands that I think are the next great group to emerge from Minnesota. Last year it was Sunless.  This year, my money is on these guys. I would buy stock in them if I could.  I can’t say enough good things for this group and this release.   Anyone that appreciates well written and played underground metal needs to hear this.  Two Thumbs way up. Get this yesterday.

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