Review Summary: A delirious whirlwind of macabre energy
A dark tree with a thin trunk sits atop a lonely hill in the middle of nowhere. The outline of a shadowy figure can be seen, standing deathly still in the shade provided by the foliage. But there is no shade. There is no light, no hope. A solitary leaf withers in an instant and is swept away in a rogue gust of wind. It lands neatly at the shadowy figure’s feet. The figure’s hand retrieves the fallen leaf, and adds it to the ever growing collection.
The startling imagery contained in
The Burial Tree, sophomore full-length effort from progressive death metal outfit Ana Kefr, is but one facet to the multi-dimensional beast the band have crafted. Unlike a great number of their contemporaries, Ana Kefr display an understated yet cutting intelligence that can be clearly seen amidst the fury, making use of clever and provocative lyrics to accompany the incredibly proficient musicianship. A wide range of instrumentation and influences can be observed on the album, from orchestral and classical movements and interludes to gloriously discreet elements from punk and post-metal genres on certain songs. Album opener ‘Ash-Shahid’ demonstrates admirable restraint, utilising subtle audio cues and distortion amidst a quiet melody that is soon thrust into the throes of aggression as the song genuinely begins. The instruments and vocals begin in immediate synchronicity, and the impressively minimalist but paradoxically broad melody work in perfect harmony, both in musical terms and in spirit. A wonderful breakdown is presented on the track, which features a sudden drop of music save for a deceptively groovy bassline. As this continues, the drums are re-introduced, the distortion becomes louder, and vocalist Kyle Coughran declares, ‘praising the hands that fasten tight upon your throats, and you choke.’
Lyrically, the album is phenomenal, attacking easy targets such as religion and politics, but with a poise and elegance rarely seen in modern albums in this genre. It’s incredibly easy to write hateful, angry words, but Ana Kefr display an impressively low-key sense of grace; their lyrics being filled with bitterness, but always through a strikingly eloquent filter. Track ‘The Zephirius Circus’ is a prime example of this, using the clever metaphor of a circus environment to illustrate the farcical nature of the political world. The imagery is grotesque and twisted, but the vaudevillian presentation of the song, particularly the inventive use of the accordion followed by a slow-waltz style tune, means that it has a tremendous impact. It is probably the track which represents the album best, with melodic refrains and a clever vocal flow which fluctuates between vicious, throaty rasps and high-pitched shrieks. This perfectly suits the tone of such fittingly evocative lyrics as, ‘Ringleader, house speaker, witness the cabinet squeeze millions of citizens into a box. “A puppet is a puppet,” so hinted the serpent, “Regardless of which fist is forced straight up its ass.” Throughout the entirety of the album the use of imagery is impeccable, occasionally drawing on religious stories and twisting them into macabre metaphors. It’s rather indelicate, but their disturbing nature ensures that those who embrace the disquieting thoughts will not forget them.
The Burial Tree is an intense and unforgettable experience. Whatever the theme of the song may be, the volatile and yet meticulously penned nature of the music work together perfectly. In creating this album, Ana Kefr have crafted a bizarre and unpredictable journey that retains all of the classic hallmarks of death metal and yet keeps it relevant through the usage of modern themes. Ultimately, the sound is a unique one: a reverential innocence is the backdrop for an experience that is perverse and simultaneously careful and controlled. Sprightly interludes and classical score are mere rest stops for an album that intends to haunt you in a crushing fit of brutality. It’s a behemoth of dark, decadent and supremely well-written aural endeavor, with a genuinely endearing intelligence as its beating heart. Every leaf is a human life. The figure is the devil. Welcome to
The Burial Tree.
