Metal maniacs, rejoice! The Thrasher returns to present to you, the quartet known as BURDEN OF LIFE, hailing from the glory of Germany, signed via Noizgate Records - on their 4^th new 2016 album entitled: "In Cycles".

With 3 records behind them since formation in 2002; "Burden Of Life" (released in 2007), "Ashes Of Existence" (released in 2008), and "The Vanity Syndrome" (released in 2013) and now 3 years later with the record in question: "In Cycles" ...I'm acquainted with what appears to be a Melodic Death Metal band who embodies the emotive unfortunates of depressions; love, personal struggles and loss. While I'm ultimately not impressed with the chosen themes; I appreciate the instrumentation and musicianship at least. Where you have Depressive Black Metal as a genre; one could mistake that with Depressive Death Metal; if there ever was a genre. But enough genre congregations - let's just dive into the record for instrumental sake, shall we? While the implemented elements of the atmosphere might not please me; instrumentally, everything sounds fine and dandy.

4 members comprise of BURDEN OF LIFE; featuring the main front-man: Christian Kötterl who has some beautifully, yet gruesomely engaging vocal ranges, as well as some guttural growls here and there, also on guitar...melodically infusing the Death Metal variety with an abundance of enlightening riffery that sounds uniquely pleasant for this Death Metal balance of lyrical themes. United with Michael Schafberger on guitars showcases similar brilliance; while the pummeling powerhouses of Karl-Arnold Bodarwé on bass and Matthias Babl on drums maniacally pulverize their instruments with consistency, dexterity and efficiency all-round. "In Cycles" is an efficient record that delivers unprecedented musicianship; even implementing effects that would surprise the purist Death Metal fan, keep in mind that Melodic Death Metal is the genre in question so I'm very open to this intention.

8 tracks of epic proportions infatuate this CD, totaling up to about 45 minutes. "Amour Fou", the titular track: "In Cycles" and "Devil In The Detox" open it up; evidently surprising my essence as I'm introduced to a variety of musical differentiates that sound enriching to the soul and unique to the mind. It may feel a bit depressing here and there, but things feel adequate and stellar that makes the emotional side effects seem atmospherically epic. "52 Hz", "Kafkaesque" and "The Narcissist" bring out unparalleled blends of musical integration that stem from folk-esquire elements to diverse riffs of Death Metal clarity that make the folk influence infusion engrossing and intriguingly brilliant. "Lantern Slides" and the 10 minute long "At The Heart Of Infinity" end the record in stunning fashion; albeit with a twist and spectacular turns, however...all the more worthwhile to check "In Cycles" out at least once.<