The Howell NJ 5 piece Anticosm, have been making quite a name for themselves, both as talented musicians and songwriters, as well as energetic and devastating live performers. With their 3rd release “The Wreckoning” out 11-1-11, they build upon the ferocious blackened thrash foundation that was laid with 2005’s “Alcoholic Darkness” EP and 2009’s “Against the Cosmos” full-length. The lead single “Raise Hell” off the new EP has found its way all over the internet with very favorable reviews by fans (the only reviews the band actually care about). In 2010 they were featured in Born Of Chaos Records’ “Chaos in Music Vol. 1” compilation and subsequently signed to the label in the spring of 2011.
The band, known only by stage names, with their long hair, leather jackets, ripped jeans and bullet belts are a welcome throw-back to a time in metal before track suits, break-downs, and rapped lyrics, without sounding dated or recycled. Their ethos is clear, drink a lot, live life to the fullest and write crushing metal songs. Magnus and Noir’s guitar work is spectacular, writing soaring, screaming solos, all the while paying true homage to the all mighty riff. Graveless’ vocal range is on full display from the darkest gravelly death growls to skin-crawling banshee wails and ear shattering screams. Holding the songs together throughout the mayhem is bassist Demogorgon and drummer Beheader, the latter walking the perfect line in metal drumming of when to hold back and when to charge full-on, never overdoing yet never lacking.
Anticosm is a band on its way up. Like all greats, they are doing it through writing amazing songs and memorable live shows and leaving the gimmicks to the bands that need them. These New Jersey boys are on the path to being one of the indispensible metal bands, one that all true metal fans need to have in their collection. This November, when “The Wreckoning” hits, will you be onboard or be one of the hapless souls bowled over and left for dead?
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