Antichrist Siege Machine

Antichrist Siege Machine (ASM) is a Richmond, Virginia-based duo consisting of Ryan Zell and Scott Bartley. Since their formation in 2016, they have become a leading force in the 'war metal' subgenre, a niche that bridges the gap between the chaotic atmosphere of bestial black metal and the rhythmic precision of grindcore.

Their sound is defined by a total lack of compromise, characterized by near-constant blast beats and heavily distorted, tremolo-picked guitar work that functions more as a percussive texture than a melodic lead. ASM occupies a specific cultural space within the extreme metal underground, often associated with the 'Stygian Black Hand' and 'Profound Lore' rosters. Their rise mirrors a broader resurgence in 'bestial' styles that reject the polished production of mainstream metal in favor of a raw, primal aesthetic. Critically, they are praised for their intensity and the physical 'weight' of their recordings, which manage to sound massive despite the two-piece lineup. They are a primary reference point for the modern intersection of black, death, and power electronics-adjacent noise.