BURNED IN EFFIGY
"Burned in Effigy"
(self-produced; 2007)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
On their self-titled debut, Burned in Effigy
expertly mix old school metal (i.e. thrash) along with some significant current
touches (i.e. Godsmack, In Flames). Bluesy elements add some needed release to
the thrash attack – “War Inside” is a prime example of this.
There are 14 songs on this effort not counting an intro and outro – the album
clocks in at nearly one hour's playing time. Burned in Effigy rely far too much
on stereotypical sounds and riffs but somehow it all works as most tracks are
catchy and listenable, familiar yet not retro, current yet not chaotic.
In a musical world often focused on chaos (e.g. Mars Volta, Between the Buried
and Me) it’s startlingly refreshing to hear classic metal sounds without
digging too far back in the past. However, there are too many loose ends and the
vocal production needs a bit of improvement.
Having already received high praise elsewhere, there’s not much I can add
except that once Burned in Effigy refines their sound they have tremendous
upside.
“Burned in Effigy” was produced by Michael
Papale, Burned in Effigy, and Peter LaGasse. LaGasse also handled the
engineering and mixing duties.
Burned in Effigy is Jared Meekhoff on vocals and guitars, Alex Meekhoff on
guitar, Luke Mason on vocals, and Zak Begin on drums.
For more information visit http://www.burnedineffigy.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
