This Age of Silence by Anterior
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Release date : June 2007
Reviewed by Anthony Morgan
Background information
Review
Background information
Teen Welsh act Anterior debut with the full length effort This Age of Silence, issued via Metal Blade Records. Anterior started life in late 2003, comprising individuals whose mere age was seventeen at the time. In their brief yet colourful live career, the group have shared the stage with such illustrious outfits as DragonForce, Himsa, The Black Dahlia Murder, 3 Inches of Blood and Mendeed amongst a host of others. Their work ethic made a positive impression on 3 Inches of Blood bassist (at the time) Brian Redman, causing him to comment in November 2005; “Anterior rocked everyone's balls off! They were amazing, these kids could fucking play!”.
Review
June 2007 finally spawned their inaugural album, much to the anticipation of awaiting fans. An armoury of guitar solos valiantly charge side by side, vying collectively for those prestigious elements of sweaty, soulful introspection. Melodic sensibilities override the engaging axework, possessing a maturity beyond Anterior's tender years. The formative period in an average guitarist's career is largely comprised of patchy, inconsistent contributions, a work out in preparation of future, more defined work. This certainly isn't the case, and doesn't smack of an inaugural effort. More pronounced and confident, the songwriting process spreads its wings more fully than what one would expect. Iron Maiden circa Number of the Beast is an evident influence amongst the soloing, so little complaints can be made in that department. Perhaps if a few other different influences were poured into the cocktail on future releases, the guitars can foster a more unique identity.
Vocalist Luke Davies figures prominently in the material, which is a remarkable feat considering the strength of the instrumental passages. A fierce melee of lines slither within the music, an acute seasoning which gives the album just the right ingredients. Magazines, particularly Kerrang!, have long championed the efforts of Welsh Metal in recent years. In truth though, this generous praise isn't deserved in the slightest. Having said that, Anterior's flag rises proudly above the filthy sea of subpar groups. Finally, the valleys of Wales have something to shout about (about fucking time!).
