Arsis - A Celebration of Guilt (2004)

     I always kick myself for being on the late train when it comes to metal albums I could have known, SHOULD have known about before. Arsis is one of those bands, and A Celebration of Guilt is one of those albums. I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a big technical/melodic death metal fan, but ACOG is an album that is written and performed so well that the entire album is a must have, must listen, and must listen again once finished.

     James Malone is an absolute beast when it comes to being the vocal, guitar and bass master (lol) for the album. Malone's vocal style is primarily in the higher pitched range, almost closer to what you would hear in black metal. But he brings the ability to follow the melody of the songs with his rage, bringing in lower vocals for more of an impact precisely when needed, or combining lower and higher background vocals for more depth.

     This album moves fast. So fast that, at some parts, (and, noted, the only flaw I find with the album as a whole) it is there are a few songs that can seem like they run together. If you're looking for something raw, aggressive, and still technical and melodic, but not as extreme as some later 2000's technical death metal albums, Arsis' A Celebration of Guilt gives the perfect blend.