Album Review: After The Burial-In Dreams

"In Dreams", the long awaited 3rd release from fast-rising Minnesota act After The Burial is finally here. Since their last record "Rareform", After The Burial has risen substainally in popularity and picked up a new vocalist. "In Dreams" makes some changes to After The Burial's sound, but nothing too drastic and it works for them.

The biggest difference from "Rareform" to "In Dreams", is new vocalist Anthony Notarmaso. This is his first release of new material with them (ATB re-recorded "Rareform" with Nottarmaso on vocals last year), and he rises to the occasion. I would actually say he fits the band better than their previous vocalist. "In Dreams", also features clean vocals, which "Rareform" did not. There has been a lot of complaining about the use of clean vocals on this record. I will say they aren't the greatest vocals ever, but they aren't the complete travesty some fans are making it out to be. I actually liked the clean vocals on "To Carry You Away", they fit the song well and gave the track some more depth.

"In Dreams", for the most part keeps the After The Burial sound in tack. The progessive riffing and overall vibe of opener "My Frailty", is very "Rareform"-esque. This what After The Burial likes to do, be heavy and have nice little progessive sections. "In Dreams" has plenty of groove and progessiveness to go around. The tempo-changes are improved from "Rareform", they seem to flow more seemlessly this time around.

"In Dreams" is worth checking out. After The Burial has a ton of talent, their guitarwork is excelllent and they are quite a few great riffs here. Anthony Notarmaso does a fine job on vocals and he is probably the best vocalist After The Burial has ever had. "In Dreams" might take After The Burial in a slightly different direction, but their core sound is still in place and it's another solid release from them.
3.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.My Frailty
2.Your Troubles Will Cease and Fourtune Smiles Upon You
3.To Carry You Away