Aletheian

Lore & Background

Aletheian began as Crutch in 1997 with guitarists Alex Kenis, bassist Keith Isenberg, vocalist Vinnie Aldrich, and drummer Bryan Clarkson. Early material was metalcore-oriented. After Aldrich left, Joel Thorpe took over vocals and recorded the debut album Crutch. The band released an EP titled Transitions and later the independent album ...Hope Prevails in 2001, re-released on Burning Records in 2002. In 2003, the band changed its name to Aletheian, derived from the Greek word for 'truth,' and underwent a major lineup change, acquiring two new members and deciding to tour for the first time. Isenberg and drummer Travis Turner departed due to family matters. The band's style did not change with the name, combining technical, progressive, Scandinavian, and melodic death metal. Apolutrosis, a concept album, was initially made available independently in 2003 and later re-mixed and re-mastered for full release in 2004 on Hope Prevails Productions. Dying Vine was recorded at Studio Insomnia and released in July 2005, delayed due to Kenis injuring his hand with a box-cutter knife. Kenis produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered the album while also performing guitars and bass. In 2005, the band released a live DVD. Aletheian played festivals such as March Metal Meltdown, MACRoCk, and Cornerstone Festival, and shared stages with bands including Cephalic Carnage, Becoming the Archetype, and Underoath. In early 2007, they signed to IronClad Recordings. After a 2008 Cornerstone performance, the band entered an indefinite hiatus. In 2016, Kenis stated he had written songs for an upcoming album but could not record due to 'life happening.'

Reader's Guide

Aletheian occupies a notable niche in Christian metal as a band that evolved from metalcore into a technically proficient blend of progressive and melodic death metal. Their shift from the name Crutch to Aletheian marked a commitment to a more mature sound and lyrical exploration of truth. The band's association with Metal Blade Records through IronClad Recordings gave them broader exposure, though they remained relatively underground. Their discography, particularly Apolutrosis and Dying Vine, is regarded by fans for its intricate guitar work and conceptual depth. The band's indefinite hiatus after 2008 left a legacy of two full-length albums and a live DVD, with unreleased material from Kenis that may never see completion. Aletheian's significance lies in their contribution to the Christian death metal scene, demonstrating that technical and progressive elements could coexist with faith-based themes, influencing later bands like Becoming the Archetype, which guitarist Alex Kenis joined in 2007.

Did You Know?

• Aletheian was originally formed under the name Crutch in 1997 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
• Guitarist Alex Kenis joined Becoming the Archetype in 2007.
• The band signed to IronClad Recordings, an imprint of Metal Blade Records, in early 2007.
• The album Dying Vine was delayed because Kenis injured his hand with a box-cutter knife.