Skip to main content

Album Review: Antirope-Bring Me to Zero

 

Antirope Art coverwork.JPG

Words by Anselm Anderson

Release Date: May 1st, 2026                                                Label: Eclipse Records

Munich-based alternative metal band Antirope is set to drop their second album, "Bring Me to Zero," next month through Eclipse Records The quartet delivers a melancholic and unsettling set of tracks, recorded live at Patrick Fleischer's home studio, LungFull Studios. The music feels brooding yet comforting, with crushing riffs merging into monotonous vocals, sludge-like instrumentals, and lyrics brimming with emotion. There is obvious influences by Black Sabbath, A Perfect Circle and Tool, which is conveyed through each outpouring of emotion throughout this release.

Formed in Munich, Germany in 2015,  Antirope  of Slaven Stokic on vocals and guitar, Patrick Fleischer on guitar and backing vocals, Julie Fleischer on bass, and Jürgen “BamBam” Wiehler on drums (ex-Bonfire, ex-Megaherz).They were founded by Slaven and Patrick, before the latter's sister joined on bass. Drummer "Bam Bam" later entered the fold in 2024 to complete the current lineup. This album has been described as one of "Their most intense" releases, perfectly captured in the opening tracks "Monolith" and "Unholy". Slaven's haunting lyrics about mental health and strained relationships seem all to real, set against slow, thunderous grooves that give this album a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Photo Credit: Heike Fleischer
The mood stays downbeat and gloomy on tracks like "Zero" and "Afterglow," with the tempo dragged by the buzz of 90s grunge-style guitar riffs as Slaven reflects on a social decline, caught in a personal struggle with depression and self-reflection. There are some heavier tracks with sludge-like rhythms on "Like a Lie" and "Dry Your Eyes," but the album seems to struggle to build any real momentum. There are moments on "Intervention" that feel dark and atmospheric, with haunting grooves that build and weave around the vocals like a chilling tale of the macabre.

The album wraps up with a gothic take on Cream's "Sunshine of your Love", and the melodic and emotionally charged "Aurora" and "Beyond".

Overall, Antirope delivers a deeply personal tale of human struggle with the mind and soul, told through powerful and emotive music. The album feels like a throwback to the roots of 90's grunge, certain to please fans of that era.

"Beyond Zero" will be released on May First via Eclipse Records on all major streaming platforms



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more