Reviewed by Christian Cunningham

With The Burial's recent signing to the Facedown Records family, this is an eagerly awaited album for followers of South Bend, Indiana's brutal metal-smiths. From the opener "Lights" to the closing track "Perfections", The Burial craft progressive deathcore with some delectable fretwork, and their maturing of sound is evident from 2010's offering 'The Winepress'. What is most exciting is the maturing of their sound has brought them closer to something akin to Opeth's heavier material. Check out "Pearls: The Frailty Of Matter" for an example of fabulous prog guitar lead melodies floating over otherworldly rhythm riffage, or the acoustic interludes evidenced in tracks like "Shackles And Ember" which evolve into ethereal, discordant and distinctly unsettling soundscapes. But this is no album of soft guitar noodling; it is a savage and violent beast that rests to lick its wounds on occasion before leaping into attack once more with viciously sharp riffs and pummelling crusher poly-rhythmic grooves. Elisha Mullin's tortured roar is especially raw this time around and with the increased songwriting sensitivity this quartet show, 'Lights And Perfections' is a powerful record indeed.

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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