PALLBEARER is a doom metal band from Little Rock, Arkansas who formed in 2008. “Mind Burns Alive” is their fifth full-length album, in addition to having released a demo, a split, and two EPs. “Mind Burns Alive,” is definitely a change of sound for the band, to a degree. In that respect, I can definitely see why some fans are a bit hesitant to dive into this journey. However, nothing worth doing is ever easy, so this album will require more than a fair share of attention to really sink in. I hope both the detractors and those who shower praise eventually let the music marinate long enough to fully form an opinion. After it is all said and done, PALLBEARER is a band that has changed before so this album shouldn’t be overly shocking but it is the type of music that requires many listens.

It seems to me that PALLBEARER is taking a more atmospheric approach to doom metal, along the lines of KATATONIA or CLOUDS. “Mind Burns Alive,” certainly has its heavy parts but it also has a lot of moments that are not heavy, at least musically. This is an album that lives within its liminal spaces and must be taken as a whole. From beginning to send, this album feels like a journey that should be treated as one continuous movement. Hopping from song to song randomly isn’t what this album is about. The opening song, “Where The Light Fades,” represents everything I have talked about and what divides opinion so much on the album. It’s nearly seven minutes in length but doesn’t get doomy until well over the halfway mark. I like the song; the quiet parts seem gentle but the lyrics speak of anything but. But it does languish on a bit too long; spending so long on these quiet tones and soothing, but emotional, vocals. The lyrics may bring in the intense factor for the subject matter but, in the end, lyrics are the most least important aspect of a band. Without the music to match what is being said, I can definitely understand why fans are upset even if I am personally not.

The title track is a lot more direct, as it opens with crushing riffs, dense bass chops and subtle hints of melody. The guitar solo that begins soon after is absolutely gorgeous. The song breaks down to atmospheric leanings and near whispered vocals. The heavy factor quickly returns and the song becomes a rumbling force of nature. It ends on a climatic high note that is most heavy and melodic but it’s the drums that steal the show. Mark Lierly has such amazing talent to deliver what each song needs, especially when they go from light to dark as much as these do. “Signals,” is a different sort of approach in the first couple minutes—it sounds very much like a folly singer/songwriter type of rock band. Unfortunately this reveals one of the few problems I have with the album: sometimes it doesn’t seem like a band effort but instead a Brett Campbell solo album. With that being said, the song is solid enough. Brett’s melodic vocals are both serene and torturous and the riffs lay down like a suffocating blanket upon them.

“Endless Place,” is one of my favorites on the album because Brett’s performance is insane; he takes a deeper approach to this voice and it works wonderful. Thankfully, the music is tight as well, being both equal parts heavy and melodic. The drums and bass in particular stand out while driving the rhythm. The last two and a half minutes is one heavy, monumental riff after another. “Daybreak,” is similar to the opening track in that it takes awhile to go anywhere. The album is at its best when it balances the lighter elements with their patented brand of doom but this song lacks the balance and is my least favorite on the album. It certainly isn’t bad but, unlike the opening track, the first three minutes of the songs are pretty boring if I’m just being honest. The rest of the song fares better, especially the ending, with its imaginative use of melody.

“With Disease,” is my favorite on the album—it’s just a monster of a song and the one where the band fully realizes their vision for the album. It all comes together on this one. There is a distorted note for every one that is not, liminal spaces of quiet revere exist among the cavernous deep. Melody and starkness have a tug of war but neither side ever wins out over the other one. All in all, PALLBEARER’s “Mind Burns Alive,” is an highly emotional AND impressive tour de force. It’s intense in a lot of different ways and I enjoyed my time with it. With that being said, I can understand why some fans aren’t going to like it. Give this one a chance and let it really sink in. “Mind Burns Alive,” deserves your time and patience.