REVIEW: Anti-Sapien - Calculating Obsolescence
"Fuck these boomers, fuck these yuppies, and fuck everybody, now that I think of it."
- George Carlin
That quote/sample is such an excellent way to kick off the Anti-Sapien debut album: Calculating Obsolescence. For someone like me (VERY Anti-Sapien), this is another album that had me in immediately. Anti-Sapien have a lot to say about the corruption and bullshit going on in this world and country right now, and their message is worth blasting as high as your stereo can handle.
From Brooklyn, NY, Anti-Sapien have a special blend of old school death metal with some grindcore attack, maybe even some punk influence there too - as the mastermind behind the project, Blake (vocalist/guitarist) has some other great punk and thrash bands he contributes too as well.
As the album progresses you're going to be assaulted with some great riffing that will make you want to band your head against the wall, and dropkick whoever is standing next to you. Blake riffs, shreds, and growls his way through this album, weaving, dodging, pummeling, and attacking - all while Alex Fewell (one of my favorite drummers) beats the living hell out of his drum kit. Every hit sounds like it's full force, and the power behind those drums really elevate the violent riffing.
A couple of my favorite examples of this may be tracks 4 and 5, 'Zohnerism' and 'Hijos De Mierda' - two BEASTLY tracks that highlight everything I just mentioned, to a 'T'. The catchy riffs, the incredible groove laid down by Alex, and the SOARING fuckin SHREDDING leads/solos really shine here.
Another highlight for me is easily 'Red White and You' - a track that gets a little darker and heavier than the rest. This single sounds mean and angrier than the rest, starting with a riff bound to get anyone in a live setting running in a circle for their lives. I can't really describe it, but I feel like I can feel the delivery and intent on this one. It really lands and leaves a lasting impression. I usually listen to this one a few times in a row when I spin this record. 'Malsumis' is another one that seems to make me feel a certain way also. Another darker sounding song with some really awesome atmosphere and leads, almost channeling a sort of Swedish Death Metal vibe, with even some slower/doomy elements.
Anti-Sapien seriously released one hell of a debut, and in this day and age of metal getting a little stale - 'Calculating Obsolecence" is a KILLER album that keeps things fresh the whole way through, thanks to some great writing and awesome delivery by some nasty musicians. Their cassette has sold out, but be on the lookout for a repress. Until then, go follow these guys, and listen to this album. You won't be sorry.