Search - Burst :: Prey on Life

Another Relapse release, another five-star review

Wheelchair Assassin | The Great Concavity | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As many metal fans know, Relapse Records could practically serve as one-stop shopping for discriminating headbangers, and this astounding debut album from Burst should only help cement the label's reputation as leaders in the world of extremity. Admittedly, this album did take a little getting used to, as I was somewhat expecting a collection of breakneck tempos, pulverizing riffs, and demented screams a la Soilent Green or the Dillinger Escape Plan. However, what initially sounded like undistinguished midtempo sludge turned out to some of the most interesting and innovative music I've heard in a long time. This album is less about sheer brutality or technical proficiency than craftsmanship, but fortunately it contains the best songwriting I've heard from a new heavy band since Burst's labelmates Burnt by the Sun hit the scene a few years ago.



Somehow managing to combine the sounds of what's come before without ever coming off as derivative, "Prey On Life" does a brilliant job of experimenting and avoiding metal cliches without abandoning the aggression that's at the heart of their metal-hardcore hybrid. This album's mix of heaviness and ambience actually reminds me a lot of the Isis classic "Oceanic," but Burst don't need to write 10-minute Isis-style marathon songs in order to convey a sweeping, grandiose feel. Winding their way through a variety of changes, the songs on "Prey On Life" manage to sound like fully-developed epics even at an average length of about 4 minutes. The band typically takes a measured approach to their sonic destruction, placing a heavy emphasis on melody and texture, with some well-placed moments of blazing speed to provide a measure of catharsis. The guitars are rarely heavy in the stereotypical "metal" sense, more often churning out hard-driving harmonies that bring to mind the dearly departed At the Gates (in fact, "Iris" could practically be a track from "Slaughter of the Soul"). The vocals are a huge plus, a nice, throaty mid-tempo scream that never loses intensity even during the album's slower and more melodic passages.



Which brings me to what I like most about this album: if there's one trend I'm tired of, it's potentially excellent metal and hardcore songs being ruined or at least hampered by some overly ambitious vocalist stopping halfway through and trying to do a Frank Sinatra impersonation, but fortunately there's very little of that to be found here. These guys never go the cheap route and interrupt their songs with extended stretches of acoustic guitars and clean vocals just to impress people with how "diverse" they are; they're committed to providing a harrowing listen from beginning to end, whether barrelling ahead at breakneck tempos or slowing things down for a more melodic feel. Having listened to this album five times in a row after I got it, I still can't get over how creative and multifaceted it is, especially for a debut. With their flawless musicianship and perfect production, Burst could definitely be in the same category as some of their more prominent labelmates before they're done. I for one am already rigid in joyful anticipation over the thought of their next album."

Crazy creative melodic metal

Matt | San Marcos, Tx United States | 10/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd absolutely blew my mind upon first listen. I was pretty surprised to hear such a creative metal cd. It takes aspects of probably ever kind of heavy underground music out there. I hear a lot of opeth in the way they structure their chords, some in flames in there guitar melodies, and even a hardcore flare thrown in for good measure. The overall feeling of the record reminds me of the new mastadon for some reason too. As you can probably tell by readin g this, this album really covers a lot of ground, and does it in an all new way. Seriously, if you are into metal at all you are going to love this cd. Nothing out there sounds like this right now."

A Creative Shining Star in the World of Modern Metal

Sunshine the Werewolf | Canada | 02/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BURST - Prey on Life

-

The Swedish band `Burst' have been making some big waves since this album was released on Relapse Records in 2003... They have an entirely fresh approach to Metal... Atmospherically sounding at times like a sped up Neurosis combined with true `groove' oriented hardcore influences (Burnt by the Sun or maybe Nora) and hints at progressive Metal (Opeth influence maybe? They are their current tour-mates as of Jan-Feb 06)

Truth is `Burst' have more then enough influences to set them selves apart from anyone in either the European or American Metal scenes.... Yet they seem to perfectly balance the best of European Metal and Prog with American-Hardcore.



Prey on Life opens with the progressively spell binding' Undoing (Prey on Life)' as an introduction. After this follows two of their thrashier, guitar driven tracks... `Iris' and `Sculpt the Lives'. Fourth is the 5:00 min plus `Rain', an amazing song which shows just how good of song writers they truly are.(The middle of the song at 2:45 trance inducing!!!) The fifth song `The Foe Sublime' starts with incredible guitar assault and bleeds into another powerful and heavy track. `Forth Sun' is a beautiful instrumental track that is par with the works of Pelican or Red Sparowes... Track seven was actually my introduction to the band. (Thanks to a Relapse Sampler) `Crystal Asunder' is a true testament to Burst potential... combining atmospheric into with a hardcore punk drive and even some cleaner* vocals. (NOTE: On Bursts latest album `ORIGO' they have really expanded his singing range and it sounds incredible) `Vortex' has a furious introduction which keeps it aggression throughout the songs entirety... It even throws in an almost `metalcore' sounding bridge that is fantastic. Speaking of aggression number nine is `Monument' a speedy little track with

Track ten is `Visionary' an absolutely incredible track... starts similar to `fourth sun' but quickly opens up with some of the best hardcore screams I've heard since the days of Tim Williams. (Vision of Disorder) This track shuffles between the extremes of textured ambient music and pure melodic hardcore... And last, but certainly not least, is `Epidemic' an odd, yet fitting closer... an instrumental with an almost NIN-Esc keys and odd back ground ambience.



Overall everything on this album is amazing... Beautiful Guitars that also pack a serious punch and tons of melody... A Bass player that can, not only be heard but one that does some great bass lines... And a Drummer that blends hardcore and tribal beats in a very unique manner.

Sadly, Burst will likely never gain the attention they deserve... But if you like any forms of heavy music. (Hardcore, Metal, Post-Metal, Thrash, Punk etc...) You owe it to yourself and to one of the most unique bands too check this out. (Make sure you also check out their newest album `ORIGO' which is released this month - FEB 06)



Favorite Tracks: Crystal Asunder, Rain, Vortex and Iris (Really basically all the tracks)

-5 Stars





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