higher-pitched bark to a more mid-ranged howl with relative ease . Burned in Effigy is onto something special here . Successfully blending sub-genres with a technicality that remains engaging and hooky while still retaining its viciousness , is triumphantly achieved on Rex Mortem .
– Kelley Simms
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BURNED IN EFFIGY Rex Mortem ( Self )
Local melodic death metal band , Burned in Effigy , has recently unleashed its banging debut full-length album Rex Mortem . Unlike their 2017 instrumental EP Terrestrial , Rex Mortem contains eight diverse ear worms laced with savage vocalizations . The album combines a mixture of neoclassical elements , melodic death metal and progressive metal sub genres with slight metalcore influences in the vein of The Black Dahlia Murder , Allegaeon , The Faceless and The Human Abstract . New vocalist Mark “ Smedy ” Smedbron adds a multifaceted aural attack to the band ’ s well balanced compositions . The songs are fantastically diverse , containing twisting key changes , skilled transitional riffs and dynamic time signatures . Opening track “ Doomsayer ” is the perfect introduction to the record . It ’ s a signature modern death metal track that incorporates a balanced concoction of melody and aggression with lyrics that captures an apocalyptic vibe . “ Nightfall ,” originally appearing on the band ’ s EP as an instrumental , is now armed with vicious vocals and lyrics based on the tales of Vladimir Dracula and Nosferatu . This track is the cornerstone of Burned in Effigy ’ s overall sonority , while the spiraling “ Atlas ” and the up-tempo “ Vendetta ” will immediately grab the listener ’ s attention . Every track is constructed with melodic yet aggressive elements that are technical but not overwhelming . Accompanied by jaw-dropping guitar solos , wonderful neoclassical sweeps and innovative metal riffs between former guitarists Vito Bellino and Brad Dose ( since replaced by Mike Hisson and Steve Bacakos ), the guitar work will leave the listener in awe . The highly competent rhythm section anchors the tracks , including amazing drumming and prominent basslines from Eddie Dec and Matt Watkins , respectively , while Smedbron ’ s vocal style alternates between a raspy
ANDY BELL Flicker ( Sonic Cathedral )
Ride co-founder and Oasis bassist Andy Bell evidently found extra time to make music during London ’ s semi-lockdown and we ’ re the beneficiaries of his solo output . Fans of the Stone Roses ( he sounds like a ringer for Ian Brown , but stays on key ), Oasis , Beatles , and My Bloody Valentine will find plenty to like about his slightly bulbous 17-track album , Flicker . “ The Sky Without You ” is a reverbdrenched opener that cracks the door to dreamy , multi-backed tape beds that would be home on any quality ' 60s or ' 90s psychedelic album . “ It Gets Easier ” is the perfect antidote to pandemic negativity , with its glammy guitars , backward flutes , and floating vocals . Bell told Clash magazine he ’ s dabbling in a form of therapy as a fifty-year-old man talking to his 16-year old self , full of optimism and hope . That hope shines through again on “ World of Echo ” with its echo-drenched ( naturally )