Opening with a grim and wistful note, "Despair of the Lost Self" calls back to an early 90's sound reminiscent of Amorphis, and builds the atmosphere tactfully before lifting the gates and letting the metal pour through. Mixed pacing between the drums and guitar riffs builds an eerie tension, and Curse of the Forlorn is well underway at digging its hooks into the listener. Somewhat distant, violently hoarse vocals further add to the dimensional tension and help to secure Live Burial's vile and exciting sound. Clocking in at over seven minutes, this first composition gives an excellent overview of not only the remainder of the album, but of how Live Burial has grown as a band in only a few short years. With the following tracks, the band adds more speed and complexity, and deepens the tonal structure of the album, and even introduces some interesting prog-rock-type breakdowns. The ground covered on Curse is expansive, but not so unwieldy that it falls under the weight of its own vision. In addition, all of the time and tempo changes are handled with aplomb and the album is very well structured so that each interchanging style feels effortless.

 

Returning relatively quickly after their last album, Live Burial has managed to cram a massive amount of practice, writing, and compositional advancement into a very short period. Back again on Transcending Obscurity, this UK death metal act continues to smash and inspire with Curse of the Forlorn. Giving the metal world a fresh look at old school inspired death, Live Burial's latest is an excellent ripper that has atmosphere, style, and vileness.