Dead And BuriedOut of the United States original state comes Wilmington's Dead And Buried who have been through many changes and hiatuses over their 8 year span as a band. They are back again with their third full length (the last one coming out over 5 years ago on the now defunct Spook City Records) and with a revamped line-up.
Their last album, "The Company I Keep" was like crack for me, it was so simple and bare bones but it was just so insanely fucking heavy. The title track of that album was constantly getting replays. Another song that made me want to stomp out a nursery was "Broken Promises," that shit was fucking hard and had the most melody I have ever heard these guys bust out. It is perhaps thee greatest break up song of all time.
This time around Dead And Buried offer up 11 new tracks of metallic hardcore that will bring to mind the likes of All Out War and Merauder, though they are not as technically proficient as those two legendary acts.
There are some real quality songs on this album, especially "Mutiliation" and "Bear Witness" that really show what the band is capable of. With that said, this album just didn't hit me as hard as "The Company I Keep" for whatever reason. They have certainly stepped it up with the speed and technicality of their riffs but I don't know it just didn't make me want to punch a baby in the face ya know? I would have liked them try out some more of the stuff that they busted out on "Another Broken Promise" which I still think is their most rounded song and puts to shame the majority of deathcore that is coming out these days.
The lyrics have improved quite a bit from the last album (though I did enjoy the excessive use of profanity)even though there seem to be some religious undertones in a couple of the songs, at least that's how I interpreted it. There are songs about losing friends to addictions, fighting a losing battle against corporate America, a friend who has left the hardcore scene behind and just battling personal demons. Overall a good mix of lyrical content.
The recording of the album leaves a little to be desired. The mix could've have been a bit beefier. Some of that has to do with the thinness of the bass tone but the guitars could've been a little thicker sounding too.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Mutiliation", "Better Off Dead" & "Bear Witness"
Synopsis: These guys have been one of my favorite metallic hardcore (or tough guy, whatever it is you prefer) bands since I first heard their first full length "Bloodless". Though I still prefer "The Company I Keep" this album is still
better than most of the bands attempting this style and worth your $10 or whatever they are charging for this.