Southampton`s Metalcore purveyors Bury Tomorrow release their latest album ‘Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience’ which was born from a shared sense of frustration in feeling a capricious disconnect from the state of modern society. It looks at the overlapping effects of crippling anxiety, despondency and the never-ending search for peace and clarity in a world so full of noise. It is a record about division as much as togetherness, an outpouring of personal devastation but a hopeful reminder that we are all navigating it together.
The album opens with `To Dream, To Forget` whose title suggests it stems from the notion that dreams might help the brain eliminate or “unlearn” unwanted or irrelevant information accumulated during the day. A number that opens quietly before bursting to life. The track has clean and unclean vocals and shifts easily from a kind of aggression or frustration to a much more reflective melodic thoughtful musing and to and fro as it evolves. There`s a robustness about `Villain Arc` which tends to be a slant from the point of an evildoer and may highlight mankind`s inhumanity to each other.
`Wasteland` is a rhythmic almost anthemic piece with lyrics that are initially shared in a hypnotic style before veering to a more forceful metal style then reflective before highlighting the musical dexterity of this sextet. Although musically `What If I Burn` has a vast expansive feel, the lyrics has a touch of despondency about them.
`Forever The Night` seems to be that turning point where you realise whatever you believe in is worth fighting for and the musical accompaniment mirrors that sensation of challenge. There`s a real perception of urgency in `Waiting` which is almost a contradiction of the title. Again it`s another number that deals with self-conflict.
`Silence Isn`t Helping Us` has an almost math rock beginning before moving to a more contemplative mid-tempo consideration with some appealing riffs. The ballad like `Found No Throne` is again a deeply thoughtful acoustic number with key tones that will ensure there are lit phones and lighters held aloft when share live.
`Yōkai (妖怪)` are said to be the vengeful spirits of those who died at sea and that they are attempting to capture more people to join them. A phenomena of Japanese folklore. The number has both clean and unclean vocals and is in itself quite complex with a sense of uncertainty. There`s a feeling of release throughout `Let Go` which races off at times, becomes reflective, has unclean vocals and a segment that is nigh on rapped, and overall a real compelling listen.
The album closes with `Paradox` which equates to a statement or situation that appears contradictory or illogical, yet upon closer examination, reveals a deeper, more complex truth, such as less is more or fight fire with fire. It`s another sprawling submission and no better a track to close out on.
Bury Tomorrow`s latest opus ‘Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience’ could be tagged as a concept album but that isn`t strictly true. It does have some elements of that but the underlying message is one of hope, that things can change for the better, just like we can change for the better. Times are tough but we have to overcome adversity. There`s a deep set belief and faith that this band have and a real connection with their fanbase and ‘Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience’ will only enhance this.
The band head out on a tour of the UK in October before heading into Europe and it’ll be an excursion that`ll be a must see.
Rating 8.5/10
