Album Review: Antagonist - 'These Cities, Our Graves'

Antagonist have been tearing

their native New Zealand a new asshole since 2004, and the last couple

of years have seen the five piece slay Australian audiences on a regular

basis, so it makes sense that local powerhouse Trial & Error

Records has opted to re-release These Cities, Our Graves.

Although it’s not an album in the traditional sense the eleven tracks

on offer showcase a band that has grown into their sound, their amalgamation

of metal and hardcore finding a happy meeting point between the two

genres. 

The mosh friendly opening of the

record’s title track is fairly indicative of the Antagonist’s

approach… no bullshit, no frills, just heavy and uncompromising music

that’ll kick your arse from here to Auckland if you give it a chance. 

“The Walking Dead” continues in the same vein, its chugging riffs

and driving drums culminating in one of the heaviest breakdowns I’ve

heard in a long time, while “Hollywood” sees a more pronounced Euro-metal

influence in the guitar work.  

“Show Some Heart” sees Antagonist lock back into the grooves that they use to such great

effect, which makes for a interesting contrast when you compare it to

the more metallic leanings of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T”, an obvious nod to

the band’s key influences but one that escapes plagiarism thanks to Sam’s passionate vocal delivery, which brings to my next point.

Antagonist is one band that thrives on making a point lyrically. Whether

it be advocating the vegan lifestyle or rallying against promiscuity

they have something of value to say… which is a refreshing change

when you consider the amount of lifeless shit is released these days. 

The guitars in “The Birth Of

Tragedy” are as aggressive as they come, the squealing breakdown recalling

the same menacing vibe that Martyr AD successfully pulled off

in their heyday, while “(Not Even) Silver Bullets” and “Suicide

Girls” see a more technical approach being taken with the guitar work.

“… A Fucking Lie” is a three-minute kick to the head that is further

aggravated by “Distance” and “Stranger”.

After the reception these guys

got on their recent tour with Parkway Drive we can expect to

see a lot more of them on our shores. Don’t say you weren’t warned.  

1. These Cities, Our Graves
2. The Walking Dead
3. Hollywood
4. Show Some Heart (Go

   vegan)

5. R.E.S.P.E.C.T
6. The Birth Of Tragedy
7. (Not Even) Silver Bullets
8. Suic