BURNTFIELD

"Hereafter" (Progressive Gears; 2018)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"Hereafter" begins with a haunting piano and strings track. It sounds a bit like the opening theme to a movie that's sure to be depressing, or relentlesslty dramatic. But you hang tight, because there are a lot of albums that begin like this, albums that lure you in with a quiet track and then hit you over the head with a heavy one.

And then Track 2, "Sub-Zero" starts and it's got a little progressive kick and a cool vibe but it doesn't really "hit you over the head." Track 3 is next, "My Grief," and it's another slow and quiet track, with soft vocals and a soothing (yes, soothing!) attitude.  It kicks in about mid-way through with some mild progressive rock'n'roll but never really takes off. And on and on it goes ...

My problem with "Hereafter" (and it may very well only be my problem) is that, when I saw that it was supposed to be a "progressive" record, I expected it to be a little harder and a little heaver ... and a little more complex. it's much closer to Pink Floyd than, say Symphony X, and even closer to late period Pink Floyd with the edginess of David Gilmour's guitar. It never really caught my attention, even after additional listens.

I mean, "Hereafter" isn't a bad record. It's just not for me. Fans of the milder style of progressive rock may find lots to like here, including the impressive musicianship and production found here.

For more information, check out http://burntfield.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.

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Copyright © 2018 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 19 Mar 2024 18:22:14 -0500.