American prog-metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. They've been around since 1997. Musical inspirations include, according to their website: Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Symphony X, Watchtower, Racer X, Helloween and Death.

ANTITHESIS (1998) INDEPENDENT

Antithesis came on strong with their self titled debut album, independently released in 1998 (Voices Of Wonder would later pick it up, and re-released it with a different track running order). This band play a very heavy form of progressive metal. They have a fairly unique sound, but the inevitable Dream Theater comparisons are flying all over the place when you read about them on the internet. But if you can imagine a mix of newer Symphony X and Pyramaze, you might get an idea of their sound. 'Antithesis' is not the best album in this genre, but it is a promising debut, recorded by a determined band that obviously were going places with their music. I personally don't care much for putting a 7 minutes and counting instrumental on a debut album, but the rest of the album is more than OK.

Killer tracks: Netherworld, The Web, Secret Fires, Plastic

DYING FOR LIFE (2001) MASSACRE

3 years have passed since the bands debut album. Since then they have signed a deal with Massacre Records in Europe, and Nightmare Records in the US. 'Dying For Life' is the title of the sophomore effort. And the band have really taken it one step further on this one. First of all, the production is way better. And I find the songs to be much better too. Already on the opener, "Consequence", you can hear the vast improvements. The band sounds tighter, heavier and the song structure is more complex. I have to admit that 'Dying For Life' did not impress me right away. But when it suddenly opened up to me, it hit me like a ton of bricks! This is a fantastic powerful progressive metal release. Antithesis have created a sound that is their own, blending in elements from everything from thrash to prog. Just listen to the mind numbing technicality of the songs, and the awesome musicianship. My jaw just drops to the floor when they go from brutally heavy and technical, to some acoustic guitar parts, with the most natural ease. Then they venture right back into the speedy and heavy stuff again. Vocalist Ty Cook has really grown, and steps up to the occasion like a champ. 'Dying For Life' might me one of the best progressive power metal albums you've yet to hear. This European version is contains 2 bonus track. the first one I think is also present on the American version, so I'm not sure how that can be called a bonus track, anyway, it is a re-recorded version of "Netherworld", a song from their debut album. The second bonus is supposedly exclusive to this European version. But, as far as I can tell, this is the same version of "Secret Fires" that also appears on the debut album. The European version also has a different track running order, and a way cooler cover art.

Killer tracks: All of them!

DREAMING REALITY (2010) INDEPENDENT

I'd almost given up the thought of seeing this album ever released! I remember hearing the first demo tracks from what was to become 'Dreaming Reality' back in 2003! The result is truly worth the wait, as the second incarnation of Antithesis delivers a stunning album in 2010.

Yes, it's partially a new band on this CD. Most noticeably vocalist Ty Cook is gone, but also bassist, James Lewis, left and later joined Temple Of Blood. Initially Sean Perry took over the vocalist role, but soon they found a better replacement in Matt Adkins. And what a find he is! Sonically he has a more high pitched voice as opposed to his predecessors more raspy variety. This suits the band progressive power/speed metal well though, and it's still easy to hear what band you are listening to. That is of course due to the excellent guitar-duo of Sean Perry and Paul Konjicija.

On 'Dreaming Reality' the band has really stepped up to the task! The album opens strongly with "The Madness", a powerful number that will leave you in a headbanging frenzy. And from thereon out you don't get much rest. The rhythm and lead work is really outstanding. I really love how you never quite know what is around the next musical corner. I also like how the musical prowess never overshadows the memorable aspect of the songs. The rhythm section is never content with just "being there". They're as much a vital part of the soundscape as the guitars and vocals. Here and there I hear parts that reminds me of bands like Heathen, Annihilator and Symphony X. But the blend is all their own! 'Dreaming Reality' is one of those rare albums where every song is as good as the others. I know I wrote the same thing about "Dying For Life" too, but when all is said and done, I find this new CD to be even stronger than it's predecessor. This is definitely a contender for a top spot on my annual top 20 list!

Killer tracks: All of them.

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