From their record label’s website, “More than just an album, “The Burning Past” is a profound concept piece inspired by Native American Indian culture, shamanic rituals, and the cosmic connection between human souls and extraterrestrial energy. The record is a transformative journey that blends introspection with a broader, spiritual narrative, delivered through intricate melodies and evocative lyrics. WIND DOWN’s approach is steeped in authenticity, carving out a unique identity in the Progressive Groove Metal genre. The album’s fusion of technical precision, melodic harmonies, and thunderous riffs creates a sound that is as innovative as it is powerful.”

The album has 10 songs, and “First Meeting” is track number one…a brief instrumental introduction, that leads to “Falling Down.” A tension hangs in the air as the riffs get going, and harsh vocals emerge with a weighted bottom end. The slow pace makes sure that it all sinks in. The grooves are noteworthy also, and drummer puts his entire swing into the cymbal crashes. “Connection Point” has some traditional Native American sounds in the beginning, if I am not mistaken. The riff that follows is both dark and heavy, and another slow pace emerges. “I Don’t Need You” is the third mid-tempo song in a row, and the only danger I often point out with too many of these same pacing on an album is that is can bog it down. Big riffs and big punches can only take you so far. The melody here isn’t very pleasing, I have to say.

“Without Doubt and Illusion” is yet another mid-tempo song, but the band provides some much needed variation in the form of clean vocals and meaty bass guitar parts. The song is done with a good deal of emotion and feeling. “A New World” is another slow song, and although the band presents their trade with a signature power, too many of these are holding the album from soaring. “The Burning Past” finally has a little faster moving pace, but I would still qualify it as mid-tempo.  The vocalist is earnest in his emotional delivery, but the music isn’t keeping up well enough. “Moonlight” closes the album, and it’s another slow mover that interjects melody into the equation.

Let’s start with the positives…the band is talented, and the songs are weighted, even a bit of melody from time to time. The grooves are strong, and the production clean. But, nearly the entire album was done at the same pace…a slow, or mid-tempo one. I call this the “mid-tempo blues,” and it really holds back an album from getting off the ground.