Usually I’m not a big fan of melodic death-trash bands, mostly described as Göteborg thrash or Swedish death metal. I’m more the death- thrash fan who likes bands such as Carcass, Sodom, The Crown and Destruction. In power metal like Rhapsody or Blind Guardian I like the melodic parts. But bands like Soilwork are not my thing. And then I found “A Celebration of Guilt” in my mailbox.

When I saw the artwork I was not really impressed, and actually I did not expect much of the music. But when I heard the first notes I was addicted to this album. I immediately heard influences of Carcass. The songs on the album all have this amazing groove. But it also has loads of melodic parts…and I like it.

The vocals are aggressive, the guitar riffs are catchy and the drums are awesome. Heavy thrash riffs and grooving parts alternate each other, but are also combined in a great way. This is really a good album for headbangers and moshpitters.

The production of “A Celebration of Guilt” is very good. The sound is very clear but it also sounds very raw.

My favorite song of “A Celebration of Guilt” is “Return” and I must say that there is no track on this album I don’t like, and that is rare. “Return”  begins with a neat guitar lick and then turns into a great thrash part. And when the double bass gets involved it really gives me the feeling I have to get into a moshpit. Then a nice slower, groovy part makes me want to bang my head. Then it’s moshpit time again… and so on.

I’m sure when you would see Arsis live, you would be very tired after the gig. This album has loads of energy. It’s a long time ago I heard an album with this enery. Great piece of work!