Reviewed by Ian Webber

Having worked a solid apprenticeship with a previous release on Sancrosanct Records, this is the Indiana-based death metal group's first outing on Strike First. Clearly inspired by Becoming The Archetype, The Burial produce technical metalcore with death metal influences similar to MyChildren MyBride but without the same finesse. The album opens slowly with a quiet discordant passage. This backs spoken lyrics which soon give way to the incessant onslaught that characterises the majority of the album. Drums pound, providing the driving force behind some impressive riffing and accomplished breakdowns as demonstrated in "The Winepress" and the equally stirring "Monolith". Vocals throughout the album have the attack of a riled wasp and rasp effectively through some clear and honest lyrics. The Burial pull no punches and wear their faith on their sleeves. Throughout the album, this talented group show their technical skill, even producing a pleasing instrumental. As a collection however, this package lacks the variety needed to engage the listener. Later tracks suffer from the single style of vocal delivery. A scarcity of technical solos also means that towards the end of the album the tracks merge together. No real element is lacking in this recording which is well played, professionally produced, and reveals glimpses of class, but with a little more refinement and subtle variations this good recording could have been so much better.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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