Anterior Members, Gear & Sound

Anterior was a Welsh metal band that emerged in 2003, known for their blend of metalcore, melodic death metal, and melodic metalcore. Hailing from South Wales, the group originally consisted of Luke Davies (guitar, vocals), Leon Kemp (lead guitar), and Ross Andrews (drums), all of whom were just 17 at the time of formation. Anterior quickly made a name for themselves with their ferocious yet melodic sound, sharing stages with renowned acts like Dragonforce and Black Dahlia Murder. Their 2007 debut album, This Age of Silence, released under Metal Blade Records, was a testament to their skillful fusion of aggressive riffs and melodic elements.

To capture Anterior's sound, musicians should focus on a blend of aggressive and melodic tones. The guitar work is central, characterized by fast, intricate riffs and harmonic leads, often layered to create a rich, dynamic texture. Achieving this requires a combination of high-gain distortion for heaviness and modulation effects like chorus or flanger to add depth and complexity. Utilizing tight, precise drumming with a mix of rapid double-bass patterns and syncopated rhythms is crucial to drive the energy forward. Vocals should balance between harsh growls and melodic singing, maintaining the intensity while allowing for moments of melodic clarity. A solid, punchy bass tone, achieved through overdrive or compression, can effectively underpin the intricate guitar and drum arrangements, ensuring the overall sound remains cohesive and powerful.