Review: Burial Extraction – Rotting Flesh
Burial Extraction – Rotting Flesh
Burial Extraction are one of the leading lights of a new wave of Christian artists cranking out the death metal like it’s 1992 again. And though the so-called New Wave of Old-School Death Metal isn’t so new anymore, it’s good to see the Christian scene producing music in this vein, even if it’s a bit late in coming.
Rotting Flesh is the newest EP from this two-man wrecking crew composed of bassist/vocalist Brian Lyda and guitarist/drummer/backing vocalist Derek Corzine (also in Blood Thirsty, Crowned in Sorrow, and Testimony of Apocalypse). Whoever did the artwork is obviously going for the Mark Riddick look, and it works. But it’s what’s inside that counts, and I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised.
Instead of taking the approach of being as ugly and cavernous as possible, Burial Extraction maintain a sense of brutality while not losing a sense of melody as well. In other words, Brian and Derek manage to let the riffs go beyond simply churning and grinding. At times, Derek Corzine’s guitar solos break out of the pulverizing proceedings and quite literally soar above the noise into new heights, almost mimicking the kind of sounds you’d hear on Carcass’ Heartwork. If you’re one of those who thinks that death metal is all cookie-monster grunts and violence, you may wish to give Burial Extraction a chance. The combination of classic heavy metal flair with death metal’s ferocious low-end assault is blended extremely well on this one.
For those like me who love the brutal stuff, don’t worry. Though the EP is a bit polished for my tastes (I know, I know…I just really like a raw production) Burial Extraction undeniably hits hard, they just do it in a way where it’s not simply style over substance. Brian Lyda’s vocals are deep and heavy, and there’s some blackened vocals mixed in too, especially on the blackened death sound of “The Overseer.” Throughout the EP’s five tracks, the band stomps, storms and blasts its way along with a sense of energy and power that is very infectious for this kind of style. I think Brian’s description of the sound is pretty apt, actually – “brutal old-school metal.” Yes, this is definitely death metal in every way, but it’s fantastic to hear such heavy roars alongside the flashy lead guitar work and meticulous song structures that evoke more of a classic heavy metal and melodic death metal feel. It’s death metal that’s not simply trying to be as crushing and hideous as humanly possible, but deliberately allowing room for other influences to breathe. With hyper-Scriptural lyrics of praise to the Master alongside admonitions to die to the self, Burial Extraction’s EP is a short but sweet example of new OSDM in the Christian scene done very well. Worth your time.
For Fans Of: King’s Hammer, Creeping Death, Gatecreeper, Mortification (early), Undeath, Bloodwork, Mangled Carpenter
About Author
