Aletheian

by Jason LymangroverProving that Pennsylvania Christian rockers can slay with as much brutality as the typical demon-worshiping Norwegian death metal group, Aletheian blend blistering prog chops, dual-guitar harmonies, and gutteral howls to make a savage albeit melodic brand of metal. Originally formed in 1997 under the name Crutch, they released a few albums independently and built up a fan base with the release of their third LP, Hope Prevails. With a lineup change in 2003, they changed their name to Aletheian, the Greek word for "truth," and released the full-length concept album Apolutrosis. While the name and faces had changed, the music remained the same, containing messages of positivity within a fierce shell of fiery fury. Not long after, in 2005, they self-produced Dying Vine, and toured successively for three years, promoting the release by playing shows with metal megaliths Biohazard, Buried Alive, and Underoath, among others, in a series of club dates and festivals. In 2008, Ironclad Recordings caught wind and released a remastered version of Dying Vine for the masses.