UPON A BURNING BODY
Fury SEEK & STRIKE
Contentious metalcore crew take no prisoners on album six
EIGHT YEARS ON,
many in the rock and metal world still know Upon A
Burning Body for the fake kidnapping stunt they pulled to promote third album The World Is My Enemy
Now – a move that was soundly derided from all corners yet garnered no apology from the band at all, either at the time or in the years since. Despite this – and their mawkish cover of DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s Turn Down For What that surfaced at the same time – they’ve otherwise continued in good form, with previous album Southern Hostility garnering strong reviews. Sixth album Fury intends to keep that upwards trajectory going for the Texan bruisers. None of its 11 tracks exceed three and a half minutes in length, and the result is arguably the metalcore outfit’s angriest record to date.
The intentions are set out clear as day; the opening double salvo of A New Responsibility and Snake Eyes
feature groove-laden riffs and pummelling drums – a well-versed formula yet one that never sounds stale or outdated. The tempo is relentless; even interlude track Sweet Serenity has a bite to it, and when tracks such as Code Of Honor and Thunderheart get going, it’s virtually impossible to sit still.
Having been a songwriter for the previous album, Thomas Alvarez now takes a permanent place in the band alongside his brother Ruben. His contributions to bass and backing vocals add a new edge, no doubt buoyed by him getting a chance to prove additional musical chops that weren’t seen last time around. At just under 32 minutes, Fury doesn’t outstay its welcome either, delivering with maximum impact and leaving no prisoners. Even if you’ve not been a fan of the band in the past, this is a blistering record that deserves your attention.
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FOR FANS OF: Lamb Of God, Pantera, Whitechapel
ELLIOT LEAVER