With this writer’s first exposure to Burial in the Sky being a live performance at River of Nihil’s CD release party for Monarchy, there was something about them that seemed like they would be on to bigger and better things. One year later, we are looking at the debut full-length, Persistence of Thought, which should rightfully expose the band to a more global audience.
While atmospheric death metal seems to be one of the flavors of the month recently, Burial in the Sky manage to display the aggressive and dreamy aspects with equal skill. One huge plus the band has going for it is being able to sink their teeth into both sides of this divide without hampering the other. “Entry I” contains a striking clean guitar moment later on in the track, but it doesn’t take away from the momentum the track made up to that point. Of course, it’s partially due to the blend of frantic death metal riffs earlier on with more soaring melodies atop blast beats that give the song a more dynamic feel. The melodies take on a floaty presence at times, with an almost psychedelic feel that is more unique to the act, and contrasts effectively with the band deciding to remove all the stops once in a while. Also helping is the addition of Samus Paulicelli (Decrepit Birth) on drums for the album, who gives a powerful performance. Everything adds up to a death metal album that isn’t afraid to slow things down with groove or psychedelia – giving space to it all and providing an experience with incredible flow.
While you can be drawn towards the big atmospheric melodies, Burial in the Sky keep plenty of bite in the more aggressive sections. Persistence of Thought works because it finds a balance between both elements without sacrificing either, and proves Burial in the Sky to be an act that is dead-set on becoming an act to watch.