Anathema Device- The Severing of Tithes

Artist: Anathema Device
CD Title: The Severing Of Tithes
Label: Self-released
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 4/7/06

Anathema Device's debut full-length is solid industrial rock, with the emphasis on rock. Although there is no shortage of electronics, with synth string crescendos on "Remission" and deep choral pads on opening track "The Greatest Lie," the emphasis is on guitar-based heaviness. "Don't Look Back" is fast, hard and driving; think Nine Inch Nails' Broken EP with a touch of KMFDM. "Drama Queen" and "Can't Fit" are even more metal-influenced, with all the guttural rage of early Acumen Nation and all the high-speed adrenaline of Ministry. The vocals are great, too; although "The Ledge" and "Negate Me" might be a bit too commercialized for industrial fans who aren't used to a touch of arena rock attitude, "Reminder" is just polished enough to get you to scream along without sacrificing its edge; there's no doubt that this has to be a favorite at live performances. "Guilt Is A Word" gives extra impact to a coldwave keyboard line with raw-throated, hardcore-inspired vocal work, while "Let's Remember" adds a touch of sweet synthpop melody to balance out the aggression of the rest of the disc. Album closer "Today's Masquerade" is the biggest surprise. It's a moping ballad with country-infused guitar strums, with lead vocalist Kerry Smith sharing the microphone with a female guest singer. Even more surprising, it's one of the best songs on the album, neatly sidestepping all of the power ballad pitfalls and displaying real emotion rather than overwrought angst. This project has real potential, so check this one out if you're at all into guitar-based industrial rock.

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