11094 Formed in 2000 by a violinist and a double-bassist, Virginia based death and thrash metal outfit Arsis -- a musical term that relates to the original concept of "arsis and thesis", meaning up and down beats, to be more exact -- got its start in Boston by Berklee College of Music students and friends James Malone (the violinist) and Michael VanDyne, arguably more as a time filler rather than a serious project. With VanDyne taking up drumming duties (he'd spent time studying drum performance) and Malone handling all the other duties of the group, Arsis recorded their first demo in 2001, and a follow up in 2002. After playing a handful of live shows, and getting some exposure for their well received demos, Arsis became a full time -- not to mention serious -- project, signing its first record deal -- with Willowtip Records -- in 2004. Their debut for the indie label, A Celebration of Guilt won them high honors in the metal music press, even earning comparisons to genre legends At The Gates -- specifically their final album, Slaughter of the Soul. The band also began their first bout of touring in support of their work at this point, filling out their live ranks with session musicians -- a set up that would continue for a number of years. In 2005, Arsis released the EP A Diamond for Disease, which not only won them even more critical praise but whose title track was requisitioned by a ballet company in New York, the Ballet Deviare. Arsis began recordings on their next full length in 2006. The album, United in Regret, was a more technical affair, produced by Daath guitarist Eyal Levi, and would help secure the band a deal with Nuclear Blast. Although the band had now reached new heights in the national metal scene, including shared stages and tours with such names as Enslaved, Goatwhore, and Cephalic Carnage, drummer -- and founder, it must be noted -- Michael VanDyne decided to call it a day. Although down to just one official member, Arsis was ready to push forward. Composer, vocalist and guitarist James Malone quickly rebounded, putting together a more standard format full time band, taking on drummer Darren Cesca, guitarist Ryan Knight, and United In Regret sessions bassist Noah Martin. (For a brief time, due to Malone losing his voice, Mike Parks took on vocal duties for Arsis. By 2007, Malone was back on the mic, and the band had decided to part ways amicably with Parks.) The band returned to the fore with their 2008 full length, We Are The Nightmare, which followed in the footsteps of the bands previously recorded work, earning Arsis critical praise and helping to shore up higher numbers in their nationwide fan base. A tour with legendary thrash pioneers Exodus was planned for January of that year. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide 9151 2000's