Well I’m a bit late in reviewing this one. It’s been sat on the iPod in the review queue for a while and just when I started writing about it; last week’s news hit. I’m still going to review it but there will be something of an elephant in the room. I’m not here to review or speculate on people’s private lives so let’s talk about ‘The Burden of Sorrow’.

The first release from Pyrithion – featuring Tim Lambesis, Ryan Glisan and Andy Godwin – is a 3 track single which was recorded over a long weekend with the band never having worked together before. The vocals are instantly recognisable as Tim doesn’t change up his approach much from hid As I Lay Dying day job. The music on the whole is a little more ‘Trad’ sounding however and it seems that Pyrithion is a vehicle for a more straight ahead metal project.

We’re not talking White Wizzard or Grand Magus traditional but the songs certainly retain proper heavy metal qualities whilst being as heavy as Hell.

‘The Invention of Hatred’ kicks it all off with a huge fade-in before the onslaught begins. A cool fast and slightly tech riff accompanied by some grim death metal vocals with the odd flourish of some sublime guitar soloing. It’s a great introduction to this project.

‘Bleed Out’ is a sub 3 minute belt through a throat ripping Death-Thrash assault. It reminds me of some classic Max-era Sepultura but it steps up the Death side of things to the next level.

Finally ‘Rest in the Arms of the Paralyzed Beast’ is more straight forward Lambesis ground. A big chorus/title to bellow out accompanied by some angular riffing and relentless drum beats. A mid-song lull followed by a massive breakdown leave you thirsty for an albums worth.

Let’s hope we get one.

8/10

Metal Blade

Rob W