Music Review: The Parallax II: Future Sequence – Between the Buried and Me

Label: Metal Blade
Released: October 9, 2012
Progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me recently released “The Parallax II: Future Sequence,” the epic conclusion of their “Parallax” saga. If you bought their limited edition bundle it came with a hardcover book explaining the entire “Parallax” story.

The album starts off with “Goodbye to Everything,” a serene, Queen inspired introduction to the forthcoming controlled chaos that is “Astral Body,” the first single from this release. “Astral Body,” continues the showcases a version of Between the Buried and Me that is approaching its evolutionary apex. Blending chaotic rhythms with highly focused and structured melodies creates a refreshing dissonance heightened by the contrasting clean vocals and screams of singer Tommy Rogers.

In typical BTBAM form, the track “Telos” starts off as a driving grindcore track, evolves into a synth heavy ethereal jazz section that builds into a recapitulation of the intro section.

Before the final Coda, “Goodbye to Everything Reprise,” of the album, the track “Silent Flight Parliament” ties up all the loose ends in the plot and is 15:09 of a well composed, complex piece. This track more than any other BTBAM has written is a statement of their understanding of theory, emotion, and stylistic variety.

“The Parallax II: Future Sequence” was in my opinion the best progressive metal album to come out in 2012, even though it came out towards the end. Between the Buried and Me is the David Bowie of metal, they continue to progress and never disappoint.

Review By: Alex Frank