This year marks the 25th anniversary of Poison the Well's landmark album The Opposite of December, a release that has become a cornerstone of the metalcore and hardcore scenes. Upon its release, the album immediately set itself apart with its aggressive energy, raw emotion, and boundary-pushing sound. Now, 25 years later, it remains a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution.
The Opposite of December was a bold statement at the time, and its impact is still felt today. The album’s raw production, while rough by modern standards, only adds to its authenticity and urgency. Opening with the fierce "12/23/93," the album wastes no time getting into the thick of things with its explosive drumming and chugging riffs. The song introduces the listener to the band's signature sound — an unrelenting pace that matches the fury of the riffs, with vocals that swing between harsh screams and moments of melodic clean singing.
Tracks like "A Wish for Wings That Work" continue the intensity, with massive drums and relentless riffs that maintain the album’s momentum. The slower, more atmospheric sections in this track create an emotional contrast, showing the band’s ability to balance chaos with mood. The emotional weight of the song peaks in the latter half, especially with the haunting, melancholic riffs that echo a sense of sadness, a feeling that permeates much of the album.
"Artist’s Rendering of Me" brings a tighter, denser sound, with cymbal splashes and groovy sections adding texture to the otherwise relentless pace. Despite its simplicity, the riffs and drums hit hard, showing the band's ability to keep things effective yet aggressive. The vocals, though a bit softer in places, still maintain a rawness that gives the track a sense of urgency.
One of the standout tracks, "Slice Paper Wrists," offers a groove-heavy breakdown early on, with technical riffs emerging to flesh out the band’s style even further. The clean vocals here are especially strong, showing the band’s range beyond just aggressive screams. The song effortlessly moves from slower, emotional parts to more aggressive sections, further showcasing their ability to blend different dynamics and emotions into one track.
The iconic riff in "Nerdy" is an undeniable highlight, instantly recognizable to fans. The tight guitar work and clean drums set the stage for a track that feels fully realized, with both harsh and clean vocals that complement the intensity of the instrumentation. The breakdown, though simple, is incredibly effective and hits hard, adding to the song’s impact.
In "To Mandate Heaven," the band pushes boundaries with a more experimental approach. The muddier production and super-metal riffs create a raw, grittier vibe, setting this track apart from others on the album. It stands as the most experimental song, but by the end, it smooths out into a powerful, metal-infused anthem that feels like a natural progression for the band.
"Not Within Arms Length" is another standout, featuring dynamic backing vocals that add depth to the track. The drums take center stage here, relentless and forceful, while the riffing takes a step back to allow the bass and drums to shine through. This shift in focus gives the track a fresh dynamic, highlighting the band’s ability to create something new and exciting without losing their edge.
"Mid Air Love Message" offers a more playful, rock-inspired riff that deviates from the album’s heavier tone. The band switches up their tuning here, giving the song a lighter, almost experimental rock vibe. But when they dig in, the band still delivers with heavy, dense riffs, mixing things up with slower, emotional sections that add balance to the song.
Finally, "My Mirror" wraps up the album with its somber, emotionally charged atmosphere. The riffs carry a sense of emptiness that perfectly matches the weight of the song’s themes. The drums hit hard, with well-timed fills to transition through the track's various dynamics. The blend of slower, dense moments and heavier, groovy chugs creates a powerful, layered track that closes out the album with a sense of finality.
As we celebrate this 25th anniversary, it’s clear that The Opposite of December remains an album that has stood the test of time. It still sounds as powerful as it did when it first dropped, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike. Whether revisiting it or hearing it for the first time, the album’s impact is undeniable — a true classic that defined a genre and a moment in music history.
RATING: 8/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
A Wish For Wings That Work
Artists Rendering Of Me
Nerdy
Not Within Arms Length