Burial Vault: Incendium

For their second album, Burial Vault has decided to adapt the story and ideas of Ray Bradbury's famous novel Fahrenheit 451. I haven't read that novel since the early 1980s, but I remember being intrigued by its futuristic tale of a culture that burns all its books and the small band of people who try to stand up against it. I've always wanted to go back and read that novel again. I'm sure I would fall in love with it all over again.

It wouldn't be quite right to call Incendium a concept album. It's probably better to think of it as a thematic adaptation, an album inspired by Bradbury's novel rather than a slavish attempt to reproduce it both lyrically and musically. I love albums like this, especially when they feel like they are in conversation with the original work. Some readers (and listeners) may not like the idea of a metal band adapting a work of literature. Why not? They both treat broad and dynamic themes. With music, those same themes may be heard with a new perspective, thereby shedding further light on interesting human questions.

For those unfamiliar with Burial Vault, this release is their second in just over a year. The band obviously has a lot of music and is anxious to keep their name and their music out there for fans. Their music is best described as melodic death metal. From start to finish, the music is played well and sounds great. The band isn't trying to change the sound so much as to play well within the structures and expectations of the genre itself. Occasionally, as in "Peculiar," things are slightly too melodic, but the lyrical content—and its connection to Bradbury's story—calls for it. In the future, the band may want to consider playing around more and more with musical variety to capture different elements of their inspirations. Still, this is a very strong album and a good introduction to an up-and-coming band.

Track Listing:
1. The Stench of Burning Thoughts
2. A Blind Follower and a Watchful Hound
3. Soil & Green
4. Peculiar
5. The Nightly Horror
6. Prelude to Peripety
7. Fatal Accident
8. Struggling Doubt
9. Moment of Truth
10. Awareness
11. Surveillance Web
12. Catharsis
13. Black into White

Added: August 16th 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1704
Language: english

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