Artist: Between the Buried and Me Album: The Parallax II: Future Sequence

Year: 2012
Duration: 1:30:11

An In-Depth Analysis of Between the Buried and Me's The Parallax II: Future Sequence

Between the Buried and Me is a progressive metal band from North Carolina known for their complex song structures and dynamic soundscapes. Their album The Parallax II: Future Sequence is a true masterpiece, showcasing the band's prowess in their genre. In this post, we will delve into the history of the band, the genre of the album, the best songs, and the most innovative parts. We will also discuss some criticisms of the album.
Between the Buried and Me was formed in 2000 by Tommy Giles Rogers Jr., Paul Waggoner, and Dustie Waring. Their music is a unique blend of progressive rock, death metal, and jazz fusion. They are known for their technicality and for blurring the lines between different genres of music. The Parallax II: Future Sequence was released in 2012 and is the band's second concept album. The album tells a story of two characters who exist in different parts of space and time.
The album is a perfect representation of the progressive metal genre. It features complex time signatures, intricate guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. The band also experiments with a wide range of instruments, including keyboards, saxophones, and trumpets. The album seamlessly transitions between heavy, aggressive sections and soft, melodic sections. The band's use of dynamics is also noteworthy, as they use sudden changes in volume and intensity to create an immersive listening experience.
Some of the best songs on the album include Lay Your Ghosts to Rest, Telos, and Extremophile Elite. These songs showcase the band's ability to shift between different moods and styles within a single song. Lay Your Ghosts to Rest starts off as a slow, brooding ballad before erupting into a flurry of heavy guitars and blast beats. Telos features a memorable guitar solo by Paul Waggoner and showcases the band's tight musicianship. Extremophile Elite is a wild ride from start to finish, with sudden tempo changes and intricate instrumental sections.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way the band incorporates different themes and motifs throughout the songs. These recurring themes tie the album together thematically and musically. The band also experiments with different genres of music, such as the jazz fusion-inspired instrumental section in Melting City. These experimental sections show the band's willingness to push the boundaries of their genre and explore new sounds.
While The Parallax II: Future Sequence is a fantastic album, it is not without its criticisms. Some fans and critics have noted that the album can be overwhelming at times, with its complex song structures and dense instrumental sections. Others have criticized the lack of emotional depth in the lyrics, which can come across as overly wordy and disjointed.
In conclusion, The Parallax II: Future Sequence is a shining example of the progressive metal genre. Its complex song structures, dynamic soundscapes, and innovative sections make it a true masterpiece. While some criticisms exist, the album remains a must-listen for any fan of the genre. Between the Buried and Me continue to push the boundaries of their genre with each new release, and The Parallax II: Future Sequence is a perfect representation of their sonic evolution.