After the Burial, In Dreams REVIEW

Let me just say: I'm a huge fan of the oft-hated Sumeriancore trend. So what if most of the more techy, talented bands in modern metal have congregated at one label? Obviously Sumerian and Sumerian Entertainment (the management side of the label) are doing something right when it comes to their family of artists. Moving on:

I picked up the original Berzerker track around 2008, loved it, lost it, then forgot who played it. In 2009 I found the remastered version of Rareform, and loved it even more. Anthony Notarmaso's (lets be honest,) better vocals gave a whole new feel to this incredible album. I was eagerly waiting for the release of In Dreams more than most...and while I wasn't disappointed, I was, well, surprised by the content of the album. Some songs are classic After the Burial (with riffs that require the quadratic formula to decipher) while others seem to fall more into the All That Remains category (and not the good, All That Remains, the cheesy All That Remains that have evolved a little too much for my taste - but thats for another review, right?).

I'm not saying this album didn't blow me away, I just wasn't prepared for the drastic changes this Twin Cities band had ready for the me and the rest of the fans. The addition of clean singing was unexpected, contrversial, and more than anything, a damned good idea. It refreshed the entire band, it seems like. My one gripe? Next album, lets shoot for ten tracks guys. Eight is not enough!! Anyway. I'm gonna start with the vocals: Anthony is incredible. After years of singing someone else's lyrics, he can finally come shrieking out of the shackles of the previous vocalist's inventions and come into his own as the frontman of this band. His range is seemingly limitless; ridiculous lows, high screams that make my throat hurt in sympathy, and mids that are instantly distinctive and understandable. He took his first chance to write his won parts in this band and completely nailed it. Anthony's work on this album sets a standard for modern metal screamers out there, without question.

Trent Hafdahl and Justin Lowe...whats there to say that hasn't already been said about this two? This team of guitar virtuoso's let loose all of their creative ideas on this album, and I do mean ALL of them. The acoustic playing and the clean riffs to complement the more melodic, mature side to the band were delivered flawlessly. The masterful collaboration between these two guitarists is virtually unmatched in today's metal scene. As for Lerichard "Lee" Foral...wow. For a bassist rooted in punk music (which, aside from Rancid, NoFx, and Antiflag usually doesn't showcase bass skill) he fits into this album perfectly. He plays with machine-like precision and definitely found more inspiration on this album; not to mention, the producer (Will Putney - talented dude right there) engineered an album where his bass riffs actually reverberate and stand out. And last but certainly not least is Dan Carle, he of apparently never-tiring limbs. The chug patterns on this album make me both pity and idolize him; honestly, how do guys like him keep their timing straight? Skill. And years upon years of practice.

The vocals, the guitar, the bass and drums, even the engineering just set this album up to start a new chapter in the history of After the Burial. The epic sweeping/shredding/tapping solos, the bowel-loosening dissonant chords and mind-numbing chug patterns all make for an incredible cd. With every listen I find a new way to appreciate this offering. This album may take a few listens to fully enjoy it, but its definitely worth the listen. Extended range guitar lovers, metalheads and ballad-rockers unite: this is the album for you.

Tracklisting:

1. My Frailty
2. Your Troubles Will Cease and Fortune Will Smile Upon You
3. Pendulum
4. Bread Crumbs and White Stones
5. To Carry You Away
6. Sleeper
7. PromisesKept
8. Encased in Ice