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Review Summary: The gloves are off. From Birth to Burial increases 10 Years’ aggression tenfold. Certain screamed sections bear a surprising similarity to Deftones (especially the song Triggers and Tripwires), but the chunky bass, unique croon of Jesse, and generally unorthodox time signature toying is 10 Years to a tee. But their package is detailed even further, they’re also known for their gorgeous melodies, poetic lyrics, and evolving at every opportunity. From Birth to Burial is their heaviest album, though a fusion of the moodiness - lyrically and atmospherically - from The Autumn Effect and Division, coupled with the more metallic aggression of Feeding the Wolves. It’s everything you want from a 10 Years record, almost.
Whereas Minus the Machine played it safe, there is nothing safe about Birth to Burial. The harsh vocals can be nearly hair raising and are more prolific than ever. Even Jesse’s normally smooth singing sounds vengeful at times, hitting some notes with unexpected force and franticness, on top of excelling in a higher register. The sacrifice? Moisture Residue and Survivors? showcase the band’s willingness to take extra care with their craft, resulting in the prettiest tunes on offer. Sadly, outside of those tracks, prettier moments such as those generally feel less inspired and largely a necessary addition to shove in. For better or worse, the album is 99% alternative metal, with a predictable and consistent sound throughout. There’s barely any piano and acoustic bits to flesh out their sound and also less ballads, their soundscape is mostly all guitar. The metal punch is first and foremost, the more delicate alternative rock in The Autumn Effect and Division barely influenced this album.
Despite their softer, more delicate moments greatly diminished, it’s barely a detriment. Instead, From Birth to Burial thrives in its heavy direction. Not every band is successful at inserting a darker, truly dark vibe, yet 10 Years nailed it. Tracks get practically spooky at times, with the psychotic sounding harsh vocals meeting cave filling - atmospheric - yet crushingly heavy guitar work. It’s a very different record for 10 Years as per usual, and so much more heartfelt than the by-the-numbers Minus the Machine. Essentially, From Birth to Burial picks up the slack, and is a refreshingly blistering effort despite it nestling farther in their lengthy and excellent discography. The high notes in Selling Skeletons aren’t just good, they shake my damn core. For an aging singer and band, they sound like they just arrived on the scene, yet have the maturity in songwriting to instantly wipe away that impression. The songs are completely memorable, completely catchy, and combine their heaviness with melodies and harmonies in a way that bands often struggle to accomplish. It all together makes for a unique alt metal album. In every regard, Birth to Burial is a triumph for the band, combining old and new effortlessly, while pushing the boundaries of their sound even further.
| other reviews of this album |
Underflow (3)
10 Years Address Two Audiences on the Conflicted “From Birth to Burial”...
Jasmine~ (4)
A mix of aggression and atmosphere leads to a brilliant album, but it still doesn’t quit...
PhobiaBB (4)
From Birth to Burial decided to swim rather than sinking....
Toondude (3.5)
"From Birth to Burial" shows that 10 Years remain as consistent as ever, but something is ...
CrazyBrave1982 (2.5)
10 Years are 10 years in, and they are not getting better with age....
Nick Mongiardo (3)
A pleasant yet extremely safe endeavor from the alternative metal notables....
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Album Rating: 5.0
Love this one. Cheers to artiswar for giving me the inspiration to revisit 10 Years.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Cheers brother. Will read tonight
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Glad to see this album getting some love, seems a little underrated in their discography. It's my personal 2nd favorite of theirs narrowly after Autumn Effect
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Yeah, the 3.2 average rating is ridiculous. This has turned into my fav 10 Years outing.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
NICE. Yeah, the average is dumb, but it's because everyone seemingly gave up on the band after TAE for some reason, and they didn't even listen to this. I get they changed up their sound, but the mass exodus that happened around Division was kind of crazy. It wasn't warranted imo. Even though they had some duds, I think they were well worth sticking by overall. Getting to revisit these with you has been fun because no one really talks about them and no one I know likes this band much except for like 1-2 people maybe.
So thank you pizza. Haven't read the review yet but I already clicked Yes, it's well written. Gonna read now, in case I have to take that one back.
Based William! I almost agree, but Division edges this out for me. But barely
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Yeah, it wasn’t warranted. These guys always had good stuff, I think people left when Feeding the Wolves came
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
my initial thoughts on your review:
“coupled with the more metallic aggression of Feeding the Wolves.”
Was FtW really that much more aggressive? If anything, MtM was the more aggressive one.
“prettier moments such as those generally feel less inspired and largely a necessary addition to shove in.”
Am curious what you mean by this. I don’t even think I know what you mean by ‘pretty moments’ in this case haha
“Despite their softer, more delicate moments greatly diminished, it’s barely a detriment.”
Diminished compared to what? The last album? I feel like this had plenty of slower tracks and passages. Like the usual amount for this band.
“Tracks get practically spooky at times, with the psychotic sounding harsh vocals meeting cave filling - atmospheric - yet crushingly heavy guitar work.”
Just thought this was a funny line and accurate.
“It’s a very different record for 10 Years as per usual, and so much more heartfelt than the by-the-numbers Minus the Machine.”
I disagree. FtW was the by-the-numbers record, MtM sowed the seeds for this album imo. It is very heartfelt though.
I really liked the rest of your last paragraph, you really captured what an unexpected second wind this was. I already know your rating for the next one, so I know you’re not mega-thrilled about it but I look forward to that review as well
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Yes, imo Feeding the Wolves was more aggressive. I addressed your couple critiques in some edits, thanks. I’m looking forward to reviewing the next two albums hopefully.
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I don't think I've ever listened to this one in full but the songs I have heard are really solid. Vertigo is an excellent track. Nice review, Pizza :D
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Vertigo might be my fav :] ty bro
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Surprised to see some love for this. I guess I need to relisten. The acoustic versions of "Luna" and "Miscellanea" are pretty good if you haven't listened to those.
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Definitely relisten. I honestly forgot how much I liked this when it was released, and didn’t listen to this until I reviewed it which is crazy! I love this album
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Definitely a forgotten album for some reason. Luna and My Ashes are like 2 of their best songs ever
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