Source: Album Artwork
Aussie metalcore masters Buried In Verona have returned from the success of Faceless with a brand new album that is, without a doubt, their best yet. Vultures Above, Lions Below sees a more rock-inspired sound blended with their metalcore roots, a bold move which is executed without fault.
What marks this album are the addictive breakdowns and uplifting cleans that can undoubtedly awaken even the hardest of souls. From the opening track ‘Vultures Above’ we are greeted with vicious breakdowns and an eerie mood that truly sets aside this battle cry of the damned.
Again and again we are roused by shout-able choruses such as in the thrashing and intense ‘Reflection’ – “I can see it in my reflection” – or in the utterly irresistible and beautifully executed ‘Done For Good’ – “I’m taking the high road and i’m dreaming of the end”. And yet, no song is more in-your-face uplifting than ‘Unbroken’ which is an undeniable anthem that calls us to arms with shouts of “This is war”.
Everything about the sound and production of Vultures Above, Lions Below is seamless, while the lyrics are strong and meaningful without losing subtlety. Things take a softer, more melodic inspired turn in ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Can’t Be Unsaid’, both of which have a huge echoing sound and pensive moods. With the introspective lyrics of the latter and heartening vocals of the former we see another side to Buried In Verona’s music identity.
And still they bring the brutal heavy with tracks like ‘Extraction’ and ‘Lions Below’ which are both furious and irresistible at the same time. There are some shoutback ready lines in ‘Separation’ – “You fucking make me sick” – and ‘Pathways’ – “I want to bury deep inside” – jumping out from the unrelenting and in-your-face sound.
What Vultures Above, Lions Below brings is purity and power from a band that is singing straight from the heart. Every track sounds effortlessly massive and there isn’t a hint of pretention in the whole album. The lyrics are sincere, the songs undeniably addictive and the sound utterly inspiring. This is an album not to be forgotten quickly.
