Mind Equals Blown

Embracing the same metalcore aesthetic used by countless acts through the ‘00s, Southampton’s Bury Tomorrow continue to clean it up in predictable, albeit well-crafted, style. Portraits contains every rehashed trend that’s come up in this genre, and executes them all perfectly: each down-tuned, chugging riff, the low growls, and the heartfelt cleans create an atmosphere all well too known at times. Releasing their debut effort on Artery Recordings, Bury Tomorrow are coming out to storm the US metalcore scene with almost an hour of heavy hitting material.

Using the now-age-old “verse/chorus/breakdown” aesthetic, trudging through an hour of the same approach to song crafting can be tedious. Whereas separately each track contains a solid, chunky guitar riff and memorable cleans, packing them all next to each other with little variance causes a headache, to say the least. The consistency does breed well-crafted songs along with it, though. Similar formulaic outlines aside, the catchiness of almost all the chorus’ is undeniable. Tracks like “Confessions,” “You & I,” and “Waxed Wings” are all soaked in melodic beauty.

Where the musicianship lacks in originality, or even general enthusiasm, vocalist Jason Cameron saves Bury Tomorrow immediately. After wading through the chunky verses, each chorus is rewarded with the blessing that is Jason’s clean vocals. He has a distinct enthusiasm and fervor in each note that their equally-as-boring metalcore counterparts pale in comparison to. While his range is not necessarily on the same level as post-hardcore singers Anthony Green or Jonny Craig, Jason’s dynamic approach and wide tone make up for it, and his melodies fit perfectly in the songs.

Perhaps not bringing anything new to the table, Bury Tomorrow’s debut effort is a solid take on a now-aging brand of music, and it is executed to a T. Each chugging riff and breakdown brings a solid heaviness to the table without sounding too cheesy. Portraits is sure to bring them attention among the American metalcore scene alongside names like Parkway Drive and Atreyu.

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