Artist: Into Eternity
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 2/10/04
Listen to the track "Spiraling Into Depression" (Courtsey of Century Media)
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Title: Buried in Oblivion Artist: Into Eternity Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 2/10/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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2 | ||
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5 | ||
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4 | ||
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Listen to the track "Spiraling Into Depression" (Courtsey of Century Media) | |||
Abyss's Review:
The first time I heard Into Eternity, I was impressed by their ability to mix a Dream Theater-type prog rock with some of the more guttural sounds of the metal spectrum. And although they never really dragged me kicking and screaming into their little world, they were for the most part successful. However, now that this sound isn't that new to me, I don't think their new album is doing enough to impress me. And while their vision remains forward-looking, I'm just not sure it works all that well.The songs themselves seem much less compelling. Maybe it's because Dream Theater's latest album was so good, but the 'prog' parts of this record remind me more of the Dream Theater material I hated. The vocals are far less impressive; they end up carrying a tune, but not much else. There isn't a single song that stays with you (whether that be good or bad) on the whole disc, and I find I have to dissect the songs into pieces before I find anything I really like.
"One word review: Eh." But there are some cool parts on this record. And, not surprisingly, they are often the heavier parts. Let's face it: Marie was a little bit country, Donnie was a little bit rock 'n' roll (yeah right!), and Abyss is pretty much all about the metal. So every time I think I've come to the conclusion I don't like this record, something cool comes on and I have to rethink my position.
But in the end, I don't really like this record, at least not enough to return to it after this review is over, and for that I can't really recommend it. If you've been a fan of this band you will most definitely want to check this record out, but in general I'm disappointed. One word review: Eh.
Death's Review:
"This is the more evolved Into Eternity I was hoping for last time around." Last time around (September 2002), I described Into Eternity and their album Dead or Dreaming as displaying "massive potential." Trust me folks, they've lived up to every ounce of that potential with Buried in Oblivion. The technicality and musicianship is still apparent, and the Dream Theater-esque melodic and progressive elements are on full display. But the band has expanded its stylistic range and evolved in more of a Dream Theater meets Opeth type of direction. There are serious death metal elements and screaming underground brutality thrown in for emphasis amidst the Iced Earthian riffing and the Fates Warning progressive emoting. Most importantly, the songwriting here is first rate. The title track is beautifully introspective, while opener "Splintered Visions" hits with brutal force from the opening distorted riff. This is the more evolved Into Eternity I was hoping for last time around.
The production is decent, but could stand for improvement. Which means that Into Enternity might even push it further with the next album. Personally, I can't wait. It is too bad that because this is so stylistically unique and difficult to categorize, it may slip beneath the radar of the average metalhead. I'm doing my part to spread the word, and urge the rest of you to check it out and then do the same.
Hel's Review:
Once again, I find myself with an Into Eternity album in hand. They have returned with another disc chock full of their peculiar prog-death amalgam. The musicianship is unfailingly brilliant, with the guitar coming to the fore as the true centerpiece of the band. As usual, I find myself preferring the death vocal sections to the clean vocals, and marveling at the way Into Eternity blends two seemingly disparate genres together.
"Very well done." Every note on the album is of the highest quality, and as I have already mentioned, the members of the band have complete mastery over their instruments. It is truly amazing that they are able to craft songs that maintain a strong identity while simultaneously shifting so drastically in style. There is absolutely nothing negative I can say about anything surrounding this album, yet I also fail to be fully drawn in. That, however, is definitely the product of my personal preferences.
Every metalhead should make an effort to check this album out, as the sheer amount of talent and creativity that went into its formation is worthy of note in and of itself. It may not be for everyone, but Buried in Oblivion certainly has qualities that will appeal to a broad cross section of metal fans. Very well done.
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