Between
the Buried and Me
Alaska
Victory Records, September 2005
Offensive words: 14+
Genre: hard core/metal
Also check out the new Becoming
the Archetype and The
Chariot.
Started in the year 2000, Between The Buried And Me
formed as an effort to create music that explored beyond the barriers of
their previous hardcore efforts. The band started playing shows around
North Carolina, then unleashed their critically acclaimed self-titled
debut upon the unprepared world, mesmerizing listeners. Between The
Buried And Me took their show to the road and won over multitudes of
fans before being quickly scooped up by indie powerhouse Victory
Records. With a recording deal in hand, Between The Buried And Me went
on to record one of metalcore’s finest opuses, The Silent Circus, and
began to reach prolific, underground cult status. “We knew when we
recorded The Silent Circus that we had something special in our hands.
The next step we knew we had to take was to get out there and show
people what we can do”, said vocalist Tommy Rogers. Rave reviews of
this album came in by the boatload from publications and websites like
Uranium Music, who called The Silent Circus “One of the best albums of
the year”, and Chord Magazine who said, “if you like blazing tempo
changes, sick guitar work and super speedy drumming, these guys have got
the goods.”
Music
Looking at the cover I was expecting some emo band. I honestly
was not familiar with Between Buried in Me. When I put the cd in I was hit
square in the face with freaking insane and intense brutal metal that is
all over the board. There is no pattern to the diversity in this
band. The tempo change on most tracks are stop and go with incredible
distortion and chaotic patterns coming in from right and left. Total metal
chaos....don't take this as negative because it is meant as a very very
good thing. The bass patterns are low and deep and rip into your chest
with a metalcore fire right from the start on "All Bodies."
"Alaska" kicks in with incredible guitar work brining you to the
hear of old school metal. The song then, as many, take an insane
hardcore turn. Tracks like "Selkies: The Endless Obsession"
start with electronic influence and then take swings into a very melodic
and passionate band. The guitar work is absolutely breath taking and done
with amazing talent and class. Other songs like "Roboturner" are
100% pure hardcore and can't imagine a live performance with absolute
chaos and guitar breaks hitting everywhere. Many of the tracks come in
over 7 minutes long and even have extreme hardcore touches of System of a
Down on tracks like "Backwards Marathon." But this is MUCH more
intense that SOAD. This cd is one of the most intense I have heard with
Victory Records and musically should be VERY proud!
Lyrically/Vocally
As a Christian, I was disappointed with the lyrical content
considering there are more than 14 offensive words on the album. The
writing style is extremely different and at times I felt like I was
reading a journal. A few songs were kind of simplistic in the sense they
made no sense and just seemed to be as chaotic as the music. The appealing
aspect is the uniqueness. Many tracks come across with dark imagery
and anger. Songs dealing with life's hardships and being on the
"wrong side of the track." It seemed to cover social issues,
social injustice and prejudice. The vocals are excellent with an
amazing intensity that is a perfect mix to the band. Extreme growls that
can be felt to your feet.
Musically this cd is absolutely amazing but due to around 14+ offensive words, I am taking a pass on this one. I know some people think I am weird with things like that, but that's my personal feelings. I'll stick with old school Norma Jean or The Chariot.
"All Bodies"
We all create this imagery. We all increase this lunacy. Floating,
melting... open sores for exploration... exploding worlds... surrounding
imaginations?... this will conclude our story... the first date of
existence seems to be changing... we are their property, we are their
slaves, we surround all bodies... focus-time stands still
Keeper of the stars, I hope to never find... We are just mortal souls left
to die. we all create this imagery. We all increase this lunacy.
-All Bodies
-Contortion
"Alaska"
The road is dry... I'm f***ing delirious right now... life goes on...
glorious evening of nodding and jumping starts... I need to make a
personal dance party. The brain works very weird at this hour... not the
best time for lyrics I suppose... keep writing, keep dreaming.
Nope, can't be awake and dream, drift in and out, in and out.
Eye motions... in out... heat lightning, scares us both... the only two
people awake at this f***ing hour... I won't remember this in the
morning... at least I wrote this all down... please pick the right song...
the one that keeps the eyes wide... creepy... yes, creepy... the idea of
control... controlling death with alertness... when is the f***ing sun
coming up.
"Croakies and Boatshoes"
Croakies. Boatshoes... Collars up.
Daddy's money increased my social status...
"Dang, my loafer got smudged"
We are the suburban elite.
"Hey where y'all wanna meet?"
I've got somethin to f***ing prove man,
I've really gotten something to prove
Dude... Brah... lets go party tonight...
maybe start another g**d*** fight...
but it's all right... my coach knows the sheriff.
Don't Stare...
At my car.
At my shirt.
At my girl.