Arcanium

The members of Arcanium are technically skilled and plenty passionate — but when it comes to distinctiveness and originality, they've still got a ways to go. Most of the cuts here use a template exemplified by "Trapped in the Niche" and "The Knife": The vocals of frontman Sinn and backing...

By Michael Roberts

August 6, 2009

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The members of Arcanium are technically skilled and plenty passionate — but when it comes to distinctiveness and originality, they've still got a ways to go. Most of the cuts here use a template exemplified by "Trapped in the Niche" and "The Knife": The vocals of frontman Sinn and backing throats Cate and Messiah alternate between spittle-spewing excoriations and moody crooning, while the music juxtaposes galloping riffs and hyperactive drumming with occasional melodic passages. (Exception: "Arcanium," the song for which the band is named, which stays heavy via chants of "Get real!" and aromatic lines like "The stench is in my nostrils.") It's hardly a unique formula, and while Arcanium delivers it pretty well, so do a lot of other bands. The Architects could have used some fresher designs.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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