Product Review

Brought together through a mutual respect for King Diamond and formed during Christmas vacation in Boston in 2000 by Berklee College of Music students James Malone (an already skilled violinist and a composition major) and double-bass connoisseur Michael VanDyne (a drum performance major and rumored octopus), the duo recorded a 3-song demo in 2001 and a 5-song demo in 2002 simply to amuse themselves over winter break. Thanks to the favorable feedback they received, Arsis became a live and fulltime endeavor. With a new lineup, the return of the band's original drummer and major personal issues conquered and resolved, mainman James Malone and team have a killer new attitude that is instantly evident. The intoxicating aggression and precision with which Arsis attack these 10 tracks is reminiscent of their debut album, but so, so much more.