ANIMOSITY „Empires”

Music: Deathcore
Country: USA
Website: http://www.animositysf.com
Duration: 27.37
Cool Songs: Thieves, Holy Shackles, Life Advocate, The Black Page

There was an obscure late 80’s Thrash act called ‘Animosity’. And if you weren’t up to speed, you could be forgiven for thinking that ‘Empires’ was a case of another reunion effort being thrown our way. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you’re a thrash head) we have been spared the pain of sitting through such an exercise (particularly as the original Animosity never had a profile to embellish upon in the first place) and instead we get the sophomore effort from the San Franciscan Deathcore exponents who hold the same name.

Understanding just who these guys were, the first thing that struck me about ‘Empires’ was its rather striking cover art. The Paul A.Romano image two human cities involved in a fight to the death conjures up an interesting mindset, one that hinted of a definite socio-political stance and a band that has something to say. Moreover, just as the cover hints of a violence, aggression and anger, Animosity’s music is built on similar foundations. Make no mistake, ‘Empires’ is a brutal affair.

Clocking in at a short but thoroughly bludgeoning 27 minutes ‘Empires’ is the follow up to their 2003 debut ‘Shut it Down’ which was released on Tribunal Records. Now signed to the aesthetically complimentary ‘Black Market Activities’ label, Animosity (who by the way are all but 18-19 years young!) are sure to carve themselves a nice little niche in the Deathcore market.

Compared to the thrashy/hardcore sound of ‘Shut it Down’, it is clear that Animosity have embraced a more Death Metal oriented style on ‘Empires’. They incorporate many of the attributes that you might find on albums from early era Carcass and American Death bands like Skinless and Dying Fetus. However, infused within the thick, bottom feeding heaviness is a rhythmic groove element that holds its links with the likes of Lamb of God and the complexity of The Red Chord. Vocally, Leo Miller is the proverbial archetype growler, but convincing and guttural nevertheless. The only problem I do have with their approach is that there is probably too much shifting from one style to the next – the change ups are good and technically on the money (and hell, drummer Navene Kooperweis sounds like a fair talent), but I wish they’d sit on the rhythm for a tad longer. Still, this album was not built for commercial appeal and as such its relentless intentions have well and truly been realised.

‘Empires’ isn’t anything that will have you clamouring for groundbreaking superlatives – it’s far from anything new. Understanding this and accepting its frenetic Deathcore template, fans of most other ‘Black Market’ bands will find much solace in this album. Moreover, for a band in their late teens, ‘Empires’ technical maturity and cutting lyrical stance is also particularly impressive. Nice work.

note: Quote: 7.4

Tracklist

Thieves
Commoditism
Holy Shackles
Empires
The Black Page
Life Advocate
Manhunt
Plutocracy
Shut it Down

Line-up

Leo Miller – Vocals
Navene Kopperweis – Drums
Frank Costa – Guitar
Chase Fraser – Guitar
Dan Kenny – Bass