From their PR firm’s website, “BURIED REALM is a force in the melodic death metal realm, emerging from Colorado Springs, Colorado, under the creative vision of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Josh Dummer. BURIED REALM has delivered a unique blend of technical rhythm and lead guitars, atmospheric synths, and progressive songwriting, drawing influence from 1980s shred guitar icons like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman, as well as American and Scandinavian death metal. With a desire to break free from formulaic approaches, Josh explores diverse atmospheres and ideas, crafting music that pushes creative boundaries. In addition to Josh, the album a slew of guests, too many to mention

The album has eight songs, and “Bloodline Artifice” is first, and it storms out of the gate with a dark, evil sound, drum blasts that rattle your soul, and a riff about as hard as titanium. They seem to have the “Death” side of the genre in hand, but not so much the “Melodic” side. They finally peak out towards the end. “Futuristic Hollow Nation” bring more melody to the plate of Death Metal that is presented with bones, blood, and sinew, and this time, they shine nearly equally to the filth of the riffs and drums. “Human Code” is another song that doesn’t appear to have a stop, or even a pause button. It’s pedal to the metal and don’t let up. Listen to the flurry of meticulous lead breaks.

“A Futile Endeavor” is just a hair slower, but the intensity is still beyond maximum. There are also some strong connecting moments of melody built into some of the madness. “Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. 11” slows just enough so that you can hear each note, and they are masterfully executed and with the precision of a surgeon. The cadenced vocals however move faster that most people can speak. “Ophidian Dreams” has a distinct groove to it that you can get into, but is still very intense and angry. This instrumental might strip the skin from your bones if you don’t stop it. “Jaws of the Abyss” hears the melody open wider to accept some of its glory. The cleans in the harmony really demonstrate the contrast that makes the genre.

“This Dormant Darkness” closes the album, and it’s a final burn on the wick of the album. Overall, this album is a nuclear ball of energy just waiting for someone to pick it up so that it can blast them into dust. It’s as if they doused the entire room in accelerant, lit the fuse, and watched the fire ignite. With the load of talent he has as well as his guests, you can hear how well it all works.