Regular Columnists

Artist: The Burden of Existence
Album: The Burden of Existence
Label: Crushing Productions
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theburdenofexistence
Genre: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Best Songs: The Awakening, Forever Condemned, A Will Only Death Could Break
CD Review: Indie metal band, Burden of Existence, is out with a self titled debut release. Death metal blends with atmospheric European-style vocals and elements of progressive rock to yield an interesting and engaging guitar driven sound. Conceived originally as a studio project by guitarist Chris Rushing and drummer Hunter Ginn, the Burden added bassist Gael Pirlot, keyboardist Donnie Smith, and guitarist Nathan Sapp. But it was Narissa Wolke who completed the band with dreamy vocals and ethereal harmonies. The Burden of Existence play a very melodic and textured brand of metal with the prerequisite ass-kicking guitars and a singular melodic vision. Wolke’s vocals and Rushing’s compositional skills are complemented perfectly by Ginn’s amazing drumming. In fact, if I had a nit to pick, it would be that Ginn doesn’t get enough space in the mix. He does some impressive pounding on every song but I was mesmerized by Forever Condemned. I know it means those guitars have to give up a little sonic space but next time I’d love to hear more of those drums. For lovers of progressive metal, Burden of Existence doesn’t disappoint. Intelligent music played with passion and power, Atlanta based Burden of Existence is worth a listen.