Burner – A Vision of the End (EP)
Release Date: 17th June 2022
Label: Church Road Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Hardcore, Tech Death, Mathcore.
FFO: Trap Them, Darkest Hour, Gatecreeper, Converge, Bolt Thrower.
Review By: Ryan Payne
You don’t get added to Metal Hammers “12 bands to watch in 2022” for no reason, and Burner have proved themselves worthy with their crushing debut EP “A Vision of the End”. The South London band deliver a destructive performance in their first release, creating 6 tracks of pure chaotic carnage, delving into all their influences throughout the release. As a first full release, this EP is definitely one hell of a statement, and things can only get better for the band.
The musicianship within this EP is on another level. Burner have taken influence from everything between metalcore, hardcore, death metal, black metal and smashed it together to create something very unique and catching to the listener. The majority of the songs are far too short in my opinion: you just want the songs to carry on to see what else is going to hit you then before you know it, it’s over, and you’re on to the next ear thumper of a track. That being said, every track is created with a different shade of heavy, and I am all for it. The riffs are performed to destroy, accompanied by drums that pound through every track.
What the vocals lack in technicality are truly compensated by the sheer intensity of the delivery throughout this EP. It’s not difficult to imagine vocalist Harry Notts losing his mind while spitting these lyrics to a packed show or in the vocal booth. He switches between harsh mid-growls and some very strained high screaming, which, again, also adds to the overall aesthetic that is Burner.
Personal favourite track is the title track of the EP and is also the longest song in the track list. It really shows the full range of this band’s potential and what they are well and truly capable of creating. The shift between tones throughout the song is a very admirable feature and I hope if Burner start working on the next release, there’s more tracks like this. Make no mistake, though, “A Vision of the End” is a must-listen to record. There is so much talent and such incredible musicianship crammed into these 6 tracks that can only boost the band to greater heights in the near future. My only issue is that it’s far too short, I need more Burner in my life, and I can’t wait to see what these guys have in store for the rest of 2022 and beyond. 
(4 / 5)
