Germany’s progressive death metal trio ANTHIA delivers their album titled Gaslighter to the masses. Upon first hearing one can imagine a brief scene in a sci-fi movie that unleashes an unknown entity through intro track Infancy. No guitars, but what sounds like a welcoming theme to which kicks off the rest of what Gaslighter bestows.

ANTHIA generated Gaslighter during a challenging time when the entire world seem to be plagued by so many chaotic situations from the past three years ranging from a global pandemic, revolutions and wars. Despite it all guitarist mastermind Herman personally drew upon these elements of influences as well as others thus creating a new breath of life to which this album communicates well both musically and lyrically.

Some might agree that ANTHIA is a league of their own musically as far as what they conjure within their musical structures, I have to concur for they are a tight act that displays promise. Take for example track two Gaslighter which starts with heavy bass and chunky guitar rhythms as well as drums, the vocal attack is brought into your face by guitarist Sergey Baidikov. Baidikov vocals have that slight black to death metal energy to them which is refreshing cause the vocals don’t take away from the music. To give you an example would have to be Dimmu Borgir meets Obituary but yet with a refined tuned essence, which to my ears doesn’t sound bad at all.

Track eight Procrastination is an interesting tune kicking it with thrashy guitar and bass along with grooves of hard-hitting drumming. Song has light symphonic touches to it with some interesting guitar soloing and riffs that really build up the music as the singing takes it to another level. Much like the last two songs of Exaltation and Prayer just give it their all to the listener with pile driving musical points and meaningful melodic yet darkly beautiful music. Behind the layers of ANTHIA’s sound lies something wonderful and inspiring that takes one down a path to self-reflection of life.

Overall recording is well done throughout this release and structured superbly that even a seasoned engineer can agree upon. Also wanted to mention that much is going on within the lyrical depths of what one might think they hear on Gaslighter but ANTHIA captures the honesty of themselves, life and then some. A strong act that is sure to gain future attention from all and excited to see what becomes of this band in the future.