US progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me have issued two exciting re-releases of their iconic 2002 self-titled debut album to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Now available for digital download and streaming, they have also released 500 incredibly special edition copies on vinyl. Reportedly, the vinyl will be clear instead of the standard black. 

The album was a unique first offering from the group, feeling more like metalcore than progressive metal, but somehow standing apart and not quite being so easily classified as either style, with elements of thrash and death metal also present. 

BTBAM have undergone a few line-up changes since their debut album dropped, which has inevitably shifted their sound slightly. After enjoying ten studio albums since, fans can now go back to the beginning and capture that feeling of warm nostalgia. You can hear how their sound has become more evolved and polished over the years. This first album is somewhat edgier than subsequent releases, owing to the band still being relatively new. But with this rawness comes an enjoyable sensation of being along for the ride with them. It feels new, even to those of us who have heard it many times. And newer fans can enjoy going right back to the beginning and seeing where it all started. 

It features BTBAM’s original line-up; Tommy Giles Rogers (lead vocals, keyboards), Paul Waggoner (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Nick Fletcher (rhythm guitar), Jason King (bass) and Will Goodyear (drums). Through the skills of expert remastering and re-mixing by original producer Jamie King, we are transported back in time, able to hear these classic songs in a whole new way.

The album seizes your ears with fast, brutal, relentless music, with unrivalled passionate energy. The huge number of time signature changes and mix of clean and dirty vocals keep you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what is coming next. Some have described it as chaotic, but while it is hammering and eclectic, it still all feels as though it belongs perfectly. The remastering has chipped away some of the older, rougher production edges without losing the magic of that old school sound. It is beautifully done and well worth checking out.

 progressive metal 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.