Buried Realm – The Dormant Darkness
Release Date: 4th April 2025
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
FFO: Scar Symmetry, Soilwork, Crownshift.
Review By: Trina Julian Edwards
It’s a crime that more people don’t know about Buried Realm, a melodic death metal band out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hopefully, that will change with the fourth full-length album, The Dormant Darkness, self-releasing on April 4th. Mastermind Josh Dummer wrote all the music and lyrics, as well as playing rhythm and lead guitars, plus synth. The drums were written and recorded by Heikki Saari, known for his work with Finntroll and Crownshift, as well as his session work with Wintersun and his previous work with Buried Realm. Orchestration and additional synth were provided by Francesco Ferrini of Fleshgod Apocalypse.
As if the aforementioned high-caliber musicians weren’t enough, when the press releases say there’s an impressive line-up of guest artists, they’re not kidding. We’ll talk about those features when we get to them, but trust me when I say they don’t disappoint. If you’re a fan of Buried Realm’s previous releases, you’re going to be one happy camper.
Bloodline Artifice is a massive opening track. Dummer’s guitarwork comes out swinging, and Saari’s speed and accuracy are just insane. I’m feeling a hint of black metal throughout this track, possibly due to the influence of Dean Arnold. Like Dummer, Arnold is a talented multi-instrumentalist currently making waves with Primalfrost and formerly with Vital Remains. He makes a welcome return to Buried Realm with his blistering riffs and impeccable blending of eclectic styles. Christian Älvestam also lends his talents to this powerful opener. Älvestam is probably most recognized for his work with Scar Symmetry, Miseration, and more recently, Cipher System. He’s well known for his incredible vocal range, which is on full display here. I always say I’m picky about my clean singing, but Älvestam is one of the GOATs of the melodeath genre for a damn good reason.
Futuristic Hollow Nation is both brutal and beautiful. The riffs and the rhythm are unrelenting. However, Älvestam’s ethereal vocals enhance the proggy themes, and the orchestration is exceptional and evocative. Christopher Amott, formerly of Arch Enemy and Armageddon, certainly delivers some atmospheric leads, but he counters that with his ferocious shredding and an incredible solo. Of course, he’s been a guest on previous releases, so he and Dummer work incredibly well together, mixing melodeath with a little bit of classic heavy metal, among other things.
When it comes to speed, Buried Realm can do no wrong. Honestly, with Saari behind the kit, it would be crazy not to take advantage. Human Code is no exception. It’s a monster of a track, and it’s no wonder. The rhythm plows through everything in its path, matching the aggressive energy of the vocals and the leads. The huge chorus is catchy as crazy, and Björn “Speed” Strid’s performance packs a punch, per usual. Soilwork is one of my go-to melodeath bands, and the vocals are always superb. Per Nilsson, well known as the lead guitarist and founding member of Scar Symmetry, also never misses. The instrumental sections are so dynamic and fluid, and the melodies are intricate and striking.
A Futile Endeavor is quick and lively with plenty of movement. Dummer’s expressive vocals speak to the narrative themes of regret and redemption. The rhythm lays the perfect foundation to join with guest guitarist Daniel Freyberg. Best known for his work in Children of Bodom and now Crownshift, Freyberg infuses this track with his characteristic style. The guitar tone is so damn pure and clean, and the moving lines are smooth and melodic but still fast as all hell. The gorgeous synth and these twisting guitar lines from both Dummer and Freyberg are woven together flawlessly.
Where the Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II is my favorite track on the album. I love that it comes in like a freight train and it just never stops. It almost has an industrial feel to it, not unlike Strapping Young Lad in the precision and relentlessness. Plus, how can you not appreciate the fire behind Björn “Speed” Strid’s vocals? Not that Dummer is any slouch in that department. The dynamics of the vocals are incredible, and of course, you can never go wrong with layering, especially when you have that much talent to layer with. The chorus is riveting and memorable, and I love that old-school-infused guitar solo. The power metal synth is also a stroke of genius. It fits so well, and yet it’s an exciting little addition that’s as fun as it is unexpected here. Ferrini’s orchestration gives the track just the right intensity, but I’d expect nothing less. All of the elements combine here to create one of my favorite songs of the year so far.
Ophidian Dreams is an all-instrumental track, and it’s one of the proggier compositions on the album. Press releases note that it was forged from several different ideas, but the finished product is not disjointed in any way. The dynamics change frequently, but the buildup of tension and the release are satisfying for the listener. You really get to hear Dummer’s excellent musicianship in this track. Fleshgod Apocalypse fans will hear Ferrini’s recognizable contributions on the synth and in the orchestration, which help take this track to another level. Saari’s intricate rhythms and impeccable timing also contribute to the cohesion of the finished piece.
Jaws of the Abyss takes a bit of a different turn, but the composition is one of the best on the album. The opening tempo is slower than what we’ve seen, but the sweeping synth melody sets the tone and fits the overarching narrative themes of Dummer’s personal journey. The pace picks up significantly on the verse proper, and the riffs drive the track through to the soaring chorus. Christian Älvestam’s vocals here are perfection. I can’t find fault with a single note. They’re beautiful and quite literally haunting. Dummer’s songwriting and Älvestam’s vocals are a match made in Heaven. I can hear this chorus in my head long after the track has ended. That doesn’t happen often, so I’m impressed.
The Dormant Darkness starts off with what is probably the most melodic death metal feel of any track on the album. Once that synth kicked in, it was as if they were channeling Children of Bodom, which is never a bad choice. Christian Älvestam’s harsh vocals are as good as his cleans, and they’re just right for the compelling title track. The incomparable Gus G hardly needs an introduction. Power metal fans are no doubt well familiar with his band, Firewind. These solos are animated and dramatic and nothing short of amazing. Ending with the dynamic and powerful title track is an excellent way to close out the album.
Overall, this is one of the best melodic death metal releases I’ve heard in quite a while. I like that the rhythm is very tech death-y, but the melodic elements are never far from the forefront. Some of the arrangements are definitely proggy, but they’re still very accessible. I also appreciate the inclusion of elements that are more traditional heavy metal and death metal, as well as some of the fun and grandiose elements of power and symphonic metal. These influences work together to deliver a sort of “melodeath plus” experience that fans of many genres will enjoy.
These influences are also reinforced by the choice of guests. One of the things Buried Realm does so well is integrate a wide variety of guest artists into their music. Dummer is an incredible songwriter and musician himself, but he clearly respects the talents of those he collaborates with, as these guest features never feel forced. Dummer’s compositions are invariably very thoughtful, and the features match the energy of each song beautifully. Dummer obviously doesn’t hinder these musicians from doing what they do best by trying to micromanage, because that type of inorganic “collaboration” always shows. No doubt Ferrini’s assistance with orchestration helped to ensure that everything came together seamlessly. Saari’s superlative understanding of rhythm kept all of these elements on track, which was no small feat. I’ve really enjoyed Buried Realm’s earlier work, but The Dormant Darkness is something special. Check it out Friday, April 4th. You won’t regret it.
(5 / 5)
