Origin | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | Necrotomy (1990-1993), Thee Abomination (1993-1997) |
Origin | Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
Genres | Technical death metal |
Years active | 1990–present |
Labels | Relapse, Nuclear Blast, Agonia |
Members | Paul Ryan Mike Flores John Longstreth Jason Keyser |
Past members | Jeremy Turner George Fluke James King Doug Williams Clint Appelhanz Mark Manning James Lee Mica Meneke |
Origin is an American technical death metal band from Topeka, Kansas, founded in 1990 under the monikers Necrotomy and Thee Abomination.[1] They have been recognized by music critics[2][3] and metal fans[4] alike for combining a harsh sound with a high level of technical skill.
Origin's music is characterized by almost exclusive use of several specific, difficult playing techniques; blast beats,[5] multiple death growled vocals,[5][6] and arpeggios and sweep picking on both the guitars and the bass guitar.[4] Their songs often have uneven, shifting time signatures.[5] 2008 saw the band breakthrough in the United States with the release of their fourth studio album, Antithesis, which peaked at #21 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.[7][8]
The instrumental prowess of Origin's players is mighty impressive here. But be forewarned—there's not an ounce of melody detected anywhere.
Ridiculously technical, fast, and punishing.
But, as amazing as much of the playing is, some of the songwriting seems to suffer under the weight of all the technicality.