From NewArtistRadio.net - February 2003
Interview with Kristian Lee on February 9, 2003
Click here to listen
From Chicagolandmusic.net - January 2003
Thanatopsis
Act of Defiance
9- Quality
7- Lyrical Context
8- Band Overall
4- Heaviness
8- Instruments
7- Cd Overall
The best way to sum up what I'm hearing is by saying is Thanatopsis is the perfect bar band. If I was drinking I'd want nothing more than to have this band playing on the stage behind me. If you're a fan of Lynard Skynard, you'll love Thanatopsis. "The Scorn" sounds like "Sweet Home Alabama." Singer and all, even the guitar solo sounds like something from Lynnard Skynard. Fortunately, Thanatopsis's story may have a better ending. While I dont' see them flying in planes anytime soon I can see them traveling the bar circuit rocking every road house in the process. "Knockin" is a somewhat fast paced song with a tempo and tone that sounds like something you'd hear in one of those beer commercials with people in a bar playing pranks on each other. While it may sound like I'm dissing the band it's the absolute opposite. I'd much rather listen to these guys than Gin Blossums, or Puddle of Mudd. The trusty works of lead guitarist Mike Moffit alongside the voice of Kristian K. Lee both compliment one another. "The Answer" once again, showing how crafty Mike Moffit's guitar style is satisfactory for anyone who's a fan of progressive guitar licks. The drum work, while lacking a fast series of double bass flairs, and hard hitting crash's is satisfactory for any rocker out there willing to listen. The bass runs it's patterns well but only really makes it's pressence known in "The Answer" and "Knockin." otherwise you can't really hear it all. In closing, Thanatopsis shows themselves as being a band that you can see playing at a local 4th. of July fest, or rock sponsored event by 95 W.I.I.L. or other rock stations events at local taverns. If they want to punch it up a notch I'm clueless as to how they'll do it, but they have the skill, talent, and the voice to carry them to that next level. If you're a fan of 2nd. singer Anthrax John Bush , you'll like Kristian's voice. He's very melodic, well timed, and can carry a tone. He makes this known in every song. "Act of Defiance" is a radio friendly album of great quality and even greater talent. If you're a hardcore metal head you might want to forget about this album, but if you're into everything from heavy to lite, definately add this cd to you're collection. If you're a chick...you'll definately like this album. I'm confident that this album will get the band some exposure, a larger fan base, and a mediocre signing. Thanatopsis may not be the next big thing just yet, but rest assured they have a sound, style, and the production that makes them seem a pretty damn close to it. Keep it up boys!
-Dikki6-
Star Newspaper Interview w/ Jessi Virtusio - January 2003
From Rocknetwebzine.com - November 2002
Thanatopsis
Act of Defiance
Act Of Defiance is the second demo CD I've heard by these guys. One thing I like about all of their tunes is that it's hard heavy rock that leaves you wanting more. Kristian Lee's vocals tend to range anywhere from James Hetfield to Scott Weiland. Thanatopsis manage to combine pop, metal, rock,and punk with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure. Their latest demo is a good mixture of the different musical styles they borrow from. The four songs are very strong musically with good lyrical content. I definitely look forward to a full length CD from these guys. Also make sure you read the poem
that they borrow their name from.
From Chicago-Music-Scene.com - October 2002
Thanatopsis
2k!
Regret, remorse, anger, jealousy; these are the things that seem to inspire Thanatopsis' songwriting. On their latest demo CD, 2K!, Thanatopsis releases all their pent up aggressions into three hard rocking songs. Heavy, hard rock music, marketed under the slogan “Heavy-Rock Chicago Style” is exactly what you'll get when you listen to this latest demo by this local band.
The first track on the disc is definitely the strongest of the trio. The song, named “Another Hand” offers a slight glimpse that this band has the potential to become something bigger than what they currently are. The song has a great hook that'll have you hearing the tune over and over again in your head. The lyrics are equally strong with their biting tone of remorse and regret over the loss of a lover. The final track, “Spin Their Wheels” is a mocking, scornful song about a woman who “play's the field”. It's got very solid guitar work coupled with decent vocals aching with resentment.
In the end, I really wish there were more songs on this release. At times, I feel this band has some great moments and are truly talented. I would like to see if the band can tackle other topics other than heartbreak, anger and shame. But for now, it'll work…
Nutshell Review
A talented band with quite a bit of potential. Solid, meaningful lyrics coupled with fervent guitar work make this truly “Heavy-Rock Chicago Style”.
-- Sean Loftus
Chicago-Music-Scene.com
From RockNetWebZine.com - July 2002
Thanatopsis
2k!
This Chicago band is pretty well known in their hometown. The three song EP gives you a good idea of their sound. The songs are very melodic. "Another Hand" and "Bullet for You" are songs about love gone wrong and "Spin Their Wheels" is about a prostitute. "Another Hand" is definitely my favorite. It's a very catchy tune. This is definitely a band I'd be watching.
Interview with RockNetWebZine.com - January 2002
Read it HereFrom Enslain Magazine , 1998 #4:
Thanatopsis
Breaking Their Chains
This Braidwood, IL band has an interesting sound. The riffs are diverse from song to song. The drumwork is clean, not too fancy, and double bass enriched. The vocals are very James Hetfield-like. The over all sound, I hear a little bit of Van Halen, Nirvana, Danzig, AC/DC, The Doors, Pearl Jam, Metallica. There's one song, Symphony, that starts off with a 50's swing feel before breaking into an almost MachineHead kind of feel. My favorites are Shades of Gray, Eye 4 an Eye, Shattered, the title track, and Wanderer, a tribal-like song. The production is decent for a demo, a good garage-type sound. It's a great album for someone looking for diversity on the lighter side of metal.
--Lady Enslain