Burn In Silence

Angel Maker

Written by: AP on 02/11/2006 19:13:01

More often than not, at least one of the four new releases visible on our front page is assigned the label metalcore. Indeed, the characteristics of this genre are attributable to a boom, and the extent to which this corner of music is expanding overshadows its brothers, sisters and rivals. It is understandable then, that lack of originality has become quite the idiom among fans of this genre. Whether or not all of this relies on the explanation that the diversity of music released today with metal undertones is so extensive that it's simply easier to compile all of these approaches into one label, this metalcore, is debatable. It might also be true that in attempting to trace the footsteps of the pioneers of the genre - some with incredible amounts of success - most new entrants to metalcore end up instead tracing the footsteps of the pallbearers of the genre. With the state of the genre being as it is, it is always delightful to welcome the potential ancestry of metalcore. The Boston-based Burn in Silence is one of these candidates.

With their debut album, Angel Maker, this sextet is sure to leave its mark on the contemporary metal scene. I say metal because the variety of styles that Burn in Silences explores is an array of much more than just metalcore. What has lead genre-obsessed fans and critics to label this effort metalcore is its multidirectional character. It is challenging to dub it one or the other, and seeing as metalcore already homes immensely diverse bands, this was the only logical choice.

“Angel Maker” is produced by Ken Susi of Unearth and mixed by Tue Madsen: A cooperation that would rarely go wrong. Tue Madsen’s personal touch strikes out in the sound, as no instrument is louder than the other. The band’s consequent signing with Prosthetic Records (known for its emphasis on metalcore) as a result of the Ken Susi-produced 2004 EP and extensive touring with legendary bands like Shadows Fall, Damage Plan and Morbid Angel has allowed the band to develop their expansive sound, which is, by the way, clearly influenced by the aforementioned bands.

Burn in Silence certainly has the diversity factor going for them. The central theme of “Angel Maker”, as explained by the band’s guitarist, Mike Casavant, is duality. This is evident from the destroy-create relationship in the title and the combination of New York death metal elements with European style guitar harmonies and synthesizers further reflects this theme. “Angel Maker” is, in essence, one of the only albums that is able to convey the necessary aggression and brutality attributable to metalcore; the occasionally chaotic keyboard-guitar-drum arrangements cross over into math- and progressive rock experiments while never deviating from the relentlessness of hardcore metal. Though I have grown sincere discontent for glazing metal with emo vocals in choruses, Burn in Silence does not suffer from this as they use clean vocals in moderation. There are epic clean passages and undercurrents of whispering and talking, but for the most part, Chris Harrell screams and growls his intestines out. This I like. Burn in Silence has gone to extensive lengths to differentiate themselves from the rest of the genre, and not without reason. This strikes out as subtle, almost inconspicuous sound arrangements that dominate the background of the otherwise blistering hardcore; acoustic piano and synthesized epic sub-melodies are omnipresent and give “Angel Maker” an unforgettable atmosphere.

Judging from the outburst of metalcore releases this year; Burn in Silence exacts strong competition onto All That Remains as the heir to the metalcore throne and simultaneously competes for nomination as one of the best releases of the year. “Angel Maker” is brutal, hardcore and relentless. It is a pinnacle of metalcore, but also a hardcore metal masterpiece that will undoubtedly be around for a while.

9

Download: Lines From an Epitaph, Watching Dead Leaves Fall
For the fans of: Between The Buried And Me, Shadows Fall
Listen: Myspace

Release date 21.08.2006
Prosthetic
Provided by Target ApS

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